• Paddy Pimblett climbed into the UFC lightweight interim title picture after a win over Michael Chandler and shifts in the division.
  • Former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold called the push for Pimblett’s title shot “manufactured” and questioned the value of an interim belt.
  • Rockhold argued Arman Tsarukyan is a more deserving contender and said the interim title lacks real meaning.
  • Pimblett now faces Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 for the interim lightweight title, a matchup that has divided fans and pundits.

Rockhold openly questions Pimblett’s route to a title fight

Luke Rockhold — a former UFC middleweight champion — has publicly questioned the idea that Paddy Pimblett should be thrust into an interim lightweight title fight. Speaking on Submission Radio, Rockhold said the interim belt carries little value and suggested Pimblett’s rise to contention has been expedited by the promotion.

“They’re doing anything they can to get Paddy the best matchups”

Rockhold told Submission Radio: “I think they’re trying to do anything they can to put little Paddy into a title situation. I’m annoyed with fighters that think the interim title means anything.”

He added that established contenders like Justin Gaethje see through the interim label and treat it as separate from the “real” championship. Rockhold’s comments reflect wider debate among fans and former fighters about how quickly Pimblett has been elevated in the division.

How Pimblett reached the interim picture

Pimblett earned renewed attention after a dominant win over Michael Chandler in April. That victory pushed him back into the top ten at lightweight, and as other contenders lost or slipped, Pimblett moved into the top five without another fight.

When a potential clash with champion Ilia Topuria fell through for personal reasons on Topuria’s side, Pimblett remained in the conversation. The UFC matched him with Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 for an interim lightweight title — a matchup that some view as a fast track for a popular fighter.

Rockhold backs Arman Tsarukyan as the rightful contender

Rockhold argued that Arman Tsarukyan, the division’s number one contender, is a more deserving challenger for the belt. “Arman’s a beast,” Rockhold said, praising Tsarukyan’s grappling and how he translates it to MMA competition.

Rockhold’s view is that merit and recent performances should determine title shots, not momentum manufactured by matchmaking or promotional priorities.

Division reaction and what’s next

The comments added fuel to an ongoing discussion inside MMA circles about rankings, matchmaking and the interim title’s purpose. Supporters of Pimblett point to his marketability and his win over Chandler as justification for the opportunity.

Critics, including Rockhold, see the match as premature and say tougher contenders have been passed over. The matchup with Gaethje at UFC 324 will offer a clear measure: a win will cement Pimblett’s spot in the title picture; a loss will likely intensify questions about his rapid ascent.

For now, the buildup continues, and the lightweight division heads into UFC 324 with competing views on who truly deserves a shot at gold.

Image Referance: https://bloodyelbow.com/2025/12/23/paddy-pimbletts-push-to-ufc-title-contention-questioned-by-former-champion/