Arman Tsarukyan made a huge statement at UFC 331, but Paddy Pimblett still sees weaknesses. The Armenian lightweight knocked out Mauricio Ruffy with two brutal elbows late in Round 1. However, his longtime rival focused on what happened before the finish.
The Paddy Pimblett Arman Tsarukyan UFC 331 reaction added another chapter to their ongoing rivalry. Pimblett praised the knockout but questioned Tsarukyan’s wrestling and defense. He also remained confident about beating him if they eventually meet inside the Octagon.
Paddy Pimblett Gives Tsarukyan Credit for Brutal Elbow
Pimblett did not hide his appreciation for the finish despite his history with Tsarukyan. He described the first elbow as a nasty shot and admitted Tsarukyan deserved credit.
Tsarukyan, now 24-3, landed two elbows from close range to finish Ruffy. The referee stopped the contest at 4:56 of Round 1. It extended Tsarukyan’s winning streak to six and strengthened his lightweight title case.
Pimblett Believes UFC 331 Exposed Holes in Arman’s Game
Pimblett’s praise quickly turned into criticism when he examined the rest of the round. Ruffy landed a hard right hand and caused visible damage around Tsarukyan’s eye. He also prevented Tsarukyan from completing several takedown attempts.
Those moments caught Pimblett’s attention. He argued that Tsarukyan did not look particularly impressive before finding the knockout. Pimblett also questioned whether Tsarukyan’s wrestling deserves its reputation among UFC lightweights.
Mauricio Ruffy Stopped Tsarukyan’s Takedowns
Ruffy entered UFC 331 at 14-2, with 13 of his victories coming by knockout. His striking presented the obvious danger, but his takedown defense became an early storyline.
Tsarukyan repeatedly tried to close distance and bring the Brazilian down. Ruffy defended those attempts and forced him to adjust. Tsarukyan eventually abandoned the need for a takedown and created the finish from the clinch.
Pimblett Says He Would Still Beat Tsarukyan
Pimblett, currently 24-4, remains confident that Tsarukyan’s latest victory changes nothing about a potential fight between them. The British lightweight acknowledged the quality of the knockout but maintained his belief that he could beat Tsarukyan.
“I’d still punch his head in,” Pimblett said while reacting to the performance. His comments continued a rivalry that has developed outside the Octagon without producing an actual UFC matchup.
Paddy and Arman Have Traded Words for Years
Pimblett and Tsarukyan have repeatedly criticized each other while climbing through the lightweight division. Their rivalry has become more relevant as both fighters have moved closer to the championship picture.
Pimblett previously said he would “terrorize” Tsarukyan if they ever fought. Tsarukyan has also dismissed the Liverpool fighter during previous exchanges. Despite the hostility, UFC has never booked them against each other.
Tsarukyan’s Knockout Could Delay a Paddy Fight
A Tsarukyan-Pimblett fight could attract significant attention, but their immediate paths may now move in different directions. Tsarukyan’s victory over Ruffy extended one of the strongest active winning runs at lightweight.
He has now won six consecutive UFC fights and immediately demanded a championship opportunity after UFC 331. Understanding how UFC matchmaking works also shows why rankings alone do not guarantee the next title challenger.
Pimblett Questions Tsarukyan’s Title Claim
Pimblett also challenged the idea that Tsarukyan automatically deserves the next lightweight championship fight. He pointed toward the rankings of Tsarukyan’s recent opponents when discussing his title case.
Ruffy entered their fight as the No. 7-ranked lightweight, while Dan Hooker was ranked higher when Tsarukyan previously defeated him. Pimblett believes those details leave room for other contenders in the championship discussion.
Tsarukyan Has a Six-Fight Winning Streak
Whatever Pimblett thinks about the performance, Tsarukyan continues to produce results. His current streak includes victories over Damir Ismagulov, Joaquim Silva, Beneil Dariush, Charles Oliveira, Dan Hooker and Ruffy.
The latest victory also showed another part of his game. Tsarukyan could not establish his wrestling early, so he changed his approach. Two elbows ended the fight before Ruffy could reach the second round.
UFC 331 Finish Strengthens Tsarukyan’s Title Argument
Tsarukyan entered UFC 331 needing more than another routine victory. He had already spent considerable time near the top of the lightweight division without receiving another championship fight.
His knockout provided the type of decisive result that keeps his name at the center of the title conversation. Tsarukyan also earned a Performance of the Night bonus following the victory.
Justin Gaethje Remains the Target
Tsarukyan’s focus after UFC 331 turned toward lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. He believes his six-fight winning streak has earned him the opportunity to fight for UFC gold.
However, several major names remain connected to the title picture. Pimblett also mentioned former champion Ilia Topuria while discussing what could happen next. UFC must now decide which direction it wants to take the division.
A Pimblett vs Tsarukyan Fight Still Has Value
Tsarukyan moving toward a title fight does not eliminate the possibility of facing Pimblett later. Their history already provides a natural storyline without requiring manufactured tension.
Their styles would also create an interesting matchup. Pimblett believes UFC 331 exposed weaknesses in Tsarukyan’s wrestling. Tsarukyan, meanwhile, just demonstrated that he can finish a dangerous striker without completing a takedown.
Final Thoughts
The Paddy Pimblett Arman Tsarukyan UFC 331 reaction showed that their rivalry remains very much alive. Pimblett gave Tsarukyan credit for his devastating finish but refused to treat the performance as flawless.
Tsarukyan leaves UFC 331 at 24-3 with six straight victories and another major knockout. Pimblett still believes he can beat him, but Tsarukyan may now have a different target. A lightweight title fight could come before these rivals ever settle their differences inside the Octagon.
FAQs
What did Paddy Pimblett say about Arman Tsarukyan after UFC 331?
Pimblett praised Tsarukyan’s knockout but criticized his performance before the finish. He questioned Tsarukyan’s wrestling and said he still believes he could beat him.
How did Arman Tsarukyan beat Mauricio Ruffy?
Tsarukyan knocked out Ruffy with two powerful elbows from close range. The official stoppage came at 4:56 of Round 1.
What is Arman Tsarukyan’s record after UFC 331?
Tsarukyan improved his professional MMA record to 24-3. The victory over Ruffy extended his winning streak to six fights.
Have Paddy Pimblett and Arman Tsarukyan fought before?
No. Pimblett and Tsarukyan have exchanged criticism for years, but they have never fought each other inside the UFC Octagon.
Could Paddy Pimblett fight Arman Tsarukyan next?
The UFC has not announced that matchup. Tsarukyan is currently pushing for a lightweight title opportunity following his UFC 331 knockout victory.
