Arman Tsarukyan names potential opponents for Paddy Pimblett

Arman Tsarukyan discusses Paddy Pimblett, Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.

Arman Tsarukyan has once again shared some speculative information regarding a few dream matchups, as well as some details about himself. While explaining that he’d like to fight Justin Gaethje, he also spoke about a potential fight between Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria. However, when asked if he really thinks the UFC could put that fight together, he said no and added:

“They’re not going to do this fight because…they don’t want Paddy [Pimblett] to lose, they don’t want Ilia [Topuria] to lose. They are gonna give someone easy to Ilia”

Currently, Arman Tsarukyan is ranked second in the lightweight division, and his most recent fight was in September 2025 against Dan Hooker. His next bout is on September 20 against Mauricio Ruffy. Arman Tsarukyan was actually supposed to face Charles Oliveira, but he had to be pulled from the fight at the last minute because he is currently occupied with other personal matters.

Arman Tsarukyan then mentioned another option in the lightweight division for Paddy Pimblett. The possibility he’s referring to is Max Holloway, whom he describes as a relatively easy opponent. Although he was interrupted, since the others in the interview said he would by no means be an easy opponent for Paddy Pimblett, Arman Tsarukyan said:

“I think he can beat Max Holloway…If you see Max’s wrestling, it’s nothing, Paddy at least can take him down”

So he's thrown out a few interesting matchups that the UFC should organize. If he beats Mauricio Ruffy, his fight against Justin Gaethje might actually happen.