Arman Tsarukyan doesn’t assume Paddy Pimblett ought to be anyplace close to the UFC light-weight title.
In the intervening time, present champion Ilia Topuria awaits his first challenger, although Pimblett has made a robust case for himself with a 7-0 report within the UFC and an in-cage confrontation with “El Matador” at UFC 317. Tsarukyan was purported to have challenged for the title already this previous January when Islam Makhachev was champion, however a again harm pressured Tsarukyan out of that chance on the final minute.
Despite the fact that he hasn’t fought in over a yr, Tsarukyan nonetheless believes he ought to be thought-about the No. 1 contender, particularly in comparison with Pimblett.
“You’ve received to delete [Pimblett] from the rankings,” Tsarukyan stated on the Overdogs Podcast. “He’s not even deserving to be in high 10. He beat the final three guys, it was [Michael] Chandler, he had three losses. It was Bobby Inexperienced, he had three or 4 losses. It was Tony Ferguson, he had eight losses. That’s loopy and also you need to convey that man to battle for the title? You shouldn’t even point out his identify, he doesn’t even deserve even mentioning his identify.”
Pimblett’s physique of labor has been closely scrutinized since he made his UFC debut in 2021. The Englishman has garnered a big following together with his thrilling offensive type and vigorous promo expertise, however a detailed name towards Jared Gordon at UFC 282 and the prolonged shedding streaks of his previous three opponents (Michael Chandler, Bobby Inexperienced, and Tony Ferguson) has critics poking holes in his contender case.
Tsarukyan hopes Pimblett’s rivalry with Topuria and their in-cage theatrics don’t sway the matchmakers.
“No person stated he’s getting the title shot,” Tsarukyan stated. “So they’re nonetheless determining who’s combating for the title, me, [Justin] Gaethje, or Paddy. However I do know they’ve received to place me as a result of I’m the No. 1 contender proper now.”
Ought to Tsarukyan must battle once more to re-earn his title alternative, he sees a variety of veteran names within the combine, together with Justin Gaethje or Dan Hooker. Who he has to undergo to get to Topuria doesn’t matter to him, although.
“I imply, if it’s not a title battle, it’s in all probability Gaethje or Pimblett or Hooker,” Tsarukyan stated. “I don’t know.”
“If it’s Gaethje, it’s battle,” he added. “He’s striker, however he was once a wrestler, so now he strikes extra. It’s battle for me. All of them are good fights for me, so it’s simple cash.”