Paddy Pimblett: ‘I’m gonna absolutely terrorize’ Ilia Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan if we fight in the UFC

Paddy Pimblett has outlined starkly different approaches to trash talk depending on his opponent, pledging to "absolutely terrorize" Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan if the fights materialize, while expressing genuine respect for Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira.

The Liverpool lightweight reignited his title conversation following a quick victory over Benoit Saint Denis at the July co-main event of Holloway versus Conor McGregor, though he still requires another win after falling short in a UFC interim lightweight championship bout with Justin Gaethje earlier in 2024.

During an appearance on the Green Light podcast, Pimblett differentiated his competitive mindset across the lightweight division. He explained that while he would relentlessly target Topuria and Tsarukyan verbally and in the cage, fighters like Holloway and Oliveira merit his restraint due to genuine admiration. "If I fight Ilia or Arman, I'm gonna absolutely rinse their lives. I'm gonna absolutely terrorize them," Pimblett stated. "But if I fight Max Holloway or Charles Oliveira I wouldn't, because I respect them and I like them."

Pimblett acknowledged long-standing animosity with Topuria, calling him "a little helmet" despite recognizing his credentials, but reserved harsher criticism for Tsarukyan. The British fighter questioned the Russian contender's legitimacy and self-made status, suggesting his position stems primarily from family wealth rather than earning it independently. "He's living on daddy's money, and without dad he wouldn't be where he is," Pimblett said.

Meanwhile, Tsarukyan is set to face Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC 331 on September 19, while Topuria awaits his next matchup following his first career loss to Justin Gaethje in a UFC White House title unification fight in June.