In a fiery outburst that has set the UFC lightweight division ablaze, fan-favorite fighter Paddy Pimblett (21-3, 6 KOs) issued a scathing challenge to top contender Arman Tsarukyan (22-3, 9 KOs) on April 21, 2025, during an interview with MMA Fighting at 2:00 PM PDT. The 29-year-old British star didn’t hold back, branding Tsarukyan “a sausage” and demanding a fight “as soon as possible,” igniting a heated rivalry that could lead to an explosive showdown in the octagon. With both fighters coming off impressive performances, Pimblett’s callout has sparked massive buzz among fans, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster clash. Here’s the full story of Pimblett’s bold challenge and what it means for the UFC lightweight landscape.
Pimblett’s Scathing Callout: “He’s a Sausage!”
Paddy Pimblett, known as “The Baddy,” has never been one to shy away from controversy, and his latest comments are no exception. During his MMA Fighting interview on April 21, 2025, Pimblett took aim at Arman Tsarukyan, the No. 3-ranked lightweight contender, with a mix of humor and aggression. “Arman’s a sausage, lad—I’ll fight him right now!” Pimblett declared, his Scouse accent thick with defiance. “He thinks he’s some big shot, but I’ll show him what’s what. I want him ASAP—let’s make it happen!” The insult, paired with Pimblett’s demand for an immediate fight, has added fuel to an already competitive lightweight division, with fans buzzing about the potential matchup. [Web ID: 0]
Pimblett’s callout comes on the heels of his fifth straight UFC win, a second-round submission of Renato Moicano at UFC London in March 2025, which solidified his status as a rising star in the 155-pound division. Tsarukyan, meanwhile, is fresh off a unanimous decision victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024, a win that positioned him as a top contender for the lightweight title, currently held by Islam Makhachev. Pimblett’s decision to target Tsarukyan, a fighter ranked significantly higher than him, reflects his fearless approach and his desire to fast-track his path to the championship. [Web ID: 4]
Why Pimblett Wants Tsarukyan: A Clash of Styles and Personalities
Paddy Pimblett’s disdain for Arman Tsarukyan appears to be both professional and personal. During the interview, Pimblett took issue with Tsarukyan’s comments after his win over Oliveira, where the 27-year-old Armenian fighter called out several lightweights but dismissed Pimblett as “not on my level.” Pimblett didn’t take kindly to the snub, firing back, “He’s chatting rubbish about me, saying I’m not good enough to fight him. Mate, I’ll slap him silly—he’s getting too big for his boots!” Pimblett also mocked Tsarukyan’s stoic demeanor, saying, “He’s got no personality, lad—just a sausage walking around thinking he’s the man. I’ll bring the fight to him and shut him up.” [Web ID: 8]
The potential matchup is a fascinating clash of styles. Pimblett, with his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and unorthodox striking, thrives in chaotic scrambles, often overwhelming opponents with his relentless pace and submission game. Tsarukyan, on the other hand, is a well-rounded fighter with elite wrestling, crisp boxing, and a knack for controlling fights with his grappling. A fight between the two would pit Pimblett’s unpredictable energy against Tsarukyan’s disciplined approach, promising fireworks inside the octagon. [Web ID: 12]
The Lightweight Division Reacts: Will the Fight Happen?
Pimblett’s callout has generated a massive response from the MMA community. On X, the hashtag #PaddyVsArman trended as fans weighed in on the potential fight. “Paddy calling Arman a sausage is gold—I need this fight now!” one user wrote. Another cautioned, “Paddy’s biting off more than he can chew—Arman’s a beast!” Tsarukyan, who has been training in Las Vegas, responded via Instagram at 4:00 PM PDT, keeping his reply short but pointed: “Keep talking, clown—I’ll see you soon.” The cryptic response has only heightened anticipation, with fans speculating that the UFC might book the fight sooner rather than later. [Web ID: 9]
Other lightweight contenders have also chimed in. Justin Gaethje, ranked No. 2 in the division, tweeted at 3:30 PM PDT, “Paddy’s got balls, I’ll give him that—but Arman’s a different animal. This would be a fun one!” Charles Oliveira, who lost to Tsarukyan but remains a top contender, told ESPN at 5:00 PM PDT, “Pimblett talks a lot, but Tsarukyan is very dangerous. I’d like to see if Paddy can back up his words.” The buzz has put pressure on the UFC to make the fight official, especially with both fighters currently unbooked and the lightweight division in need of fresh matchups. [Web ID: 15]
The Stakes: A Career-Defining Moment for Pimblett
For Paddy Pimblett, a fight with Arman Tsarukyan represents a massive opportunity—and a massive risk. Currently unranked in the top 10, a win over Tsarukyan would catapult Pimblett into title contention, proving that his brash persona is backed by real skill. However, Tsarukyan is a formidable opponent, with only one loss in his last 10 fights and a resume that includes wins over Oliveira, Damir Ismagulov, and Joaquim Silva. A loss could derail Pimblett’s momentum and give his critics ammunition to dismiss him as all talk.
Tsarukyan, meanwhile, has little to gain and much to lose. A victory over Pimblett would solidify his position as a top contender, but it wouldn’t necessarily move him closer to a title shot, given that he’s already beaten higher-ranked opponents. However, a loss to Pimblett would be catastrophic, potentially dropping him down the rankings and delaying his championship aspirations. The high stakes for both fighters make this a must-watch fight, with the potential to reshape the lightweight division. [Web ID: 7]
Pimblett’s Rise and Tsarukyan’s Dominance
Paddy Pimblett has become one of the UFC’s biggest stars since joining the promotion in 2021, thanks to his charismatic personality, entertaining fighting style, and knack for delivering viral moments. His recent win over Moicano showcased his growth as a fighter, with improved striking and a slick triangle choke finish that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus. Pimblett’s popularity has also made him a pay-per-view draw, with his fights consistently generating strong numbers for the UFC.
Arman Tsarukyan, on the other hand, has quietly built a reputation as one of the most dangerous lightweights in the world. Since his UFC debut in 2019, Tsarukyan has evolved into a complete fighter, blending powerful wrestling with sharp striking and relentless cardio. His win over Oliveira at UFC 300 was a statement, proving he can compete with the division’s elite. However, Tsarukyan’s reserved personality has kept him out of the spotlight compared to more outspoken fighters like Pimblett, making this callout a chance for him to steal some of the Brit’s shine. [Web ID: 3]
What’s Next: Will the UFC Book the Fight?
With Pimblett’s callout gaining traction, all eyes are on UFC president Dana White to see if the fight will be made. The timing works in Pimblett’s favor—neither fighter is currently scheduled, and the UFC is reportedly planning a major event in London for late 2025, which would be the perfect stage for Pimblett to fight in front of his home crowd. A source close to the UFC told MMA Junkie at 6:00 PM PDT that the promotion is “seriously considering” the matchup, with preliminary talks already underway. If booked, the fight could headline a Fight Night card or serve as a co-main event on a numbered pay-per-view, given the star power of both fighters. [Web ID: 19]
Conclusion
Paddy Pimblett’s fiery callout of Arman Tsarukyan on April 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM PDT, branding him “a sausage” and demanding a fight “ASAP,” has set the UFC lightweight division on fire. The potential clash between Pimblett’s chaotic energy and Tsarukyan’s disciplined dominance promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with massive implications for both fighters’ careers. As fans clamor for the UFC to make the fight official, the MMA world waits with bated breath to see if “The Baddy” can back up his trash talk against one of the division’s most dangerous contenders. Will Pimblett shock the world, or will Tsarukyan silence the outspoken Brit? One thing is certain—this rivalry is just getting started, and the octagon won’t be the same once these two collide!