Paddy Pimblett reveals why he will never follow Arman Tsarukyan and compete in RAF matches
Paddy Pimblett recently explained why he has zero interest in following the path of lightweight rival Arman Tsarukyan by competing in Real American Freestyle events. During a podcast appearance, the English contender argued that participating in outside grappling matches exposes an athlete's strategy and risks unnecessary injuries while pursuing championship gold in the UFC.
Tsarukyan is scheduled for an upcoming bout against Neiman Gracie in the Middle East, joining a growing roster of mixed martial artists staying active between Octagon bookings. Meanwhile, Pimblett remains focused strictly on his mixed martial arts career following a submission win over Benoit Saint-Denis, expressing future ambitions that include a potential coaching stint opposite Ilia Topuria on television ahead of a planned 2027 clash.
While Tsarukyan has also shared the mat with competitors like Dillon Danis under the crossover banner alongside peers such as Khamzat Chimaev, Merab Dvalishvili, and Colby Covington, Pimblett dismissed those outside ventures. The Scouser previously dropped a contest to Justin Gaethje to start his year before rebounding at International Fight Week, and he made it clear that any future rivalry with the Armenian will happen exclusively inside the primary promotion rather than on grappling circuits.
With his sights set firmly on the top of his division, Pimblett intends to avoid any extracurricular competition that might compromise his tactical approach inside the cage.
