Arman Tsarukyan’s upcoming side quest is something Paddy Pimblett has no plans to replicate.

The Armenian UFC lightweight star is in Abu Dhabi this week to make his latest appearance under the Real American Freestyle banner.

Tsarukyan will wrestle Neiman Gracie on November 14, having been one of the most active UFC stars in RAF this year alongside the likes of Khamzat Chimaev, Merab Dvalishvili, and Colby Covington.

It is safe to say that Pimblett won’t be joining that list while his sights remain fixated on UFC gold.

Paddy Pimblett thinks Arman Tsarukyan ‘gives his game away’ by wrestling in RAF

Pimblett lost to Justin Gaethje in his first shot at a UFC title this past January.

After choking out Benoit Saint-Denis at International Fight Week in the summer to bounce back, the Scouser is patiently awaiting news of his next assignment.

It’s becoming more common for fighters to stay busy between their Octagon appearances by wrestling in RAF or grappling in promotions like Hype FC.

But during a recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, Pimblett asserted that he will never risk injury or give away his game by competing outside of the UFC.

“I wouldn’t do anything like that,” Pimblett said of activities such as wrestling in RAF.

“I am an MMA fighter first and foremost, so I’m not gonna go and do some grappling thing or some wrestling thing or anything like that.

“I don’t understand why people do it,” he continued. “It gives away part of your game. You won’t be able to surprise people with it.

“I just wouldn’t go and do anything like that. I’m a fighter at the end of the day. I want to be a UFC champion, so I’m not gonna go and do other s—.

“It’s good for d—heads like Arman, who need the publicity because no one likes him.”

Pimblett and Tsarukyan have long gone back and forth about their potential fight inside the UFC Octagon.

That is evidently the only place where ‘The Baddy’ expects to face the Armenian, having shut down talk of a potential venture to RAF during his stints away from the cage.

For now, the Liverpudlian has his sights on Ilia Topuria, having called for the chance to settle their grudge in 2027.

Before fighting him, Pimblett wants to coach against Topuria on The Ultimate Fighter, a plan that received public support from Dana White.