‘I don’t think you can say that…’ Paddy Pimblett defended by a UFC legend after rival’s ‘handouts’ allegation

Paddy Pimblett isn’t short of enemies in the UFC.

Pimblett has caused a stir ever since joining MMA’s leading promotion on the back of title success under the Cage Warriors banner.

‘The Baddy’ has remained unbeaten in the UFC through seven fights to date, and the Scouser’s performances and remarks have sparked plenty of rivalries along the way.

From Pimblett’s near-brawl with Ilia Topuria to his exchanges with the likes of Renato Moicano, a number of feuds could potentially reach the cage down the line.

The one being discussed the most right now is with the lightweight division’s top contender, who has made his disdain for Pimblett clear.

It was obvious you were talking trash with zero intention of backing it up. Your UFC career is built on handouts, hype, and shortcuts to the top. https://t.co/N1uI7km3Ao

— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) May 30, 2025

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Chael Sonnen rejects Arman Tsarukyan’s criticism of Paddy Pimblett

Pimblett’s war of words with Arman Tsarukyan grew more heated after the Liverpudlian’s dominant victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April.

That led to Tsarukyan publicly pitching a fight against ‘The Baddy’ this year, but that callout was rejected. Instead, Pimblett has his sights on Justin Gaethje, predicting that they’ll battle in October.

The Armenian, clearly riled up by the response, launched a firm rant against Pimblett, whom he claimed has been given “handouts” by the organization.

But the validity of that claim has been firmly questioned by former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen.

“I’ve heard other guys say similar things about Paddy, but is it true?” Sonnen said. “No, it’s not.

“Paddy has not had more title shots than he should have at this point in his career, he hasn’t had more main events than he should have had…hasn’t fought more champions than a regular person would have had they not had the favors and had not been given shortcuts.

“As a matter of fact, Paddy hasn’t had any world title fights. As a matter of fact, Paddy’s never been the main event,” Sonnen continued. “I just want to look at it from that perspective. … He’s not trying to skip the line.”

Paddy Pimblett responds to Arman Tsarukyan

While Pimblett evidently has the backing of Sonnen, the surging lightweight is certainly not one to shy away from a verbal sparring match.

With that said, it wasn’t a surprise to see Pimblett quickly respond to Tsarukyan himself.

On X, ‘The Baddy’ fired back at the No. 1-ranked contender, branding him a “rich boy” who was handed everything on a “silver platter” by his father.

Rich boy talking about handouts🤣you’ve been handed everything on a silver platter ur whole life by daddy u 🤡never said I wudnt fight you its just nobody cares about you after pulling out against Islam because of a “back injury” we all know u was menstruating really u sausage🤣 https://t.co/y8l908wTur

— Paddy Pimblett (@PaddyTheBaddy) May 31, 2025

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Pimblett’s post is in reference to Tsarukyan’s wealthy family background, which the Armenian has been open about since achieving prominence in the UFC.