Paddy Pimblett has publicly criticized Arman Tsarukyan for declining a rematch against Mateusz Gamrot, calling him a "damn idiot" and questioning whether Tsarukyan deserves a title shot. Pimblett argued that over the last three years Tsarukyan's only notable win has been over Dan Hooker, while he failed to beat Gamrot and then turned down the offered rematch.
Paddy Pimblett has gone on the offensive against Arman Tsarukyan, publicly blasting the lightweight contender for turning down a rematch with Mateusz Gamrot and questioning whether Tsarukyan has earned a shot at the title.
Pimblett, ranked sixth in the UFC lightweight division, called Tsarukyan a "damn idiot" and argued that his record over the past three years amounts to little more than a win over Dan Hooker, a failure to beat Gamrot, and now a refusal to run the fight back. The 31-year-old Liverpudian carries a 23-4 record and has developed a reputation for outspoken commentary on divisional affairs. He lands 5.49 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy and averages 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes, making him one of the more active and dangerous fighters in the weight class.
Gamrot, the Polish southpaw ranked tenth at lightweight, holds a 26-4 record and is one of the division's elite wrestlers, averaging a remarkable 5.15 takedowns per 15 minutes. The 35-year-old trains out of American Top Team and has long been considered a tough stylistic puzzle for anyone willing to engage him on the mat.
Hooker, the New Zealand veteran ranked fifth at 155 pounds, is 36 years old and carries a 24-14 record. His striking output of 4.82 significant strikes per minute reflects a fighter who remains dangerous and active, making him a credible benchmark win in lightweight contention conversations.
Why it matters
- Pimblett's criticism puts public pressure on Tsarukyan at a sensitive moment in the lightweight title picture
- A rematch between Tsarukyan and Gamrot could have significant ranking implications for both fighters
- Gamrot's elite wrestling versus Tsarukyan's well-rounded skill set represents a genuinely compelling stylistic rematch
- Pimblett, ranked just one spot below Hooker at sixth, has a clear interest in shaping the narrative around who deserves contender status
