Paddy Pimblett admits rooting against Khamzat due to Arman Tsarukyan cornering

Paddy Pimblett revealed he was supporting Sean Strickland in his bout against Khamzat Chimaev for an unusual reason. The Liverpool fighter stated he hoped Chimaev would lose simply because Arman Tsarukyan was in Khamzat's corner. Pimblett said: "A part of me kind of hopes that Khamzat loses—just because Arman is in his corner." The comment highlights ongoing tensions in the lightweight division and Pimblett's apparent rivalry with Tsarukyan. The statement was made on Pimblett's YouTube channel and underscores how personal relationships and rivalries can influence fighters' preferences in bouts that don't directly involve them.