Paddy Pimblett has massive plans for his subsequent battle—and so they don’t contain Arman Tsarukyan.
Tsarukyan battled his technique to a No. 1 contender spot and a rematch with Islam Makhachev for the light-weight title at UFC 311 this previous January, however all the pieces got here crashing down for Tsarukyan when a again damage pressured him out of the chance a day earlier than battle night time. Now, Makhachev has moved as much as welterweight, his vacant belt was captured by Ilia Topuria, and Tsarukyan is in limbo.
On the energy of a 7-0 UFC report and having a longstanding rivalry with Topuria, Pimblett seems to be first as much as problem Topuria. Ought to Pimblett need to battle once more, he’s eyeing fan favourite Justin Gaethje somewhat than coping with Tsarukyan.
“I’d battle anybody as you understand, I’m not arsed,” Pimblett stated on the One On One present. “Arman’s an excellent fighter however nobody cares about him, you understand what I imply? Folks simply take a look at him and assume, ‘Yeah, you shit your self combating Islam. You speak a giant sport however you don’t again it up.’
“However everybody is aware of Justin Gaethje’s a f*cking banger. Everybody is aware of that in case you’re combating Justin Gaethje, you’re going to have a battle. And he’s a legend. Arman isn’t. So I’d like to battle one other legend in Justin Gaethje.”
Sadly for Pimblett, Gaethje isn’t as intrigued by their potential matchup, just lately telling ESPN, “If that’s the route that [the UFC] need me to take, then I don’t imagine that they want me anymore.” Gaethje just lately defeated Rafael Fiziev to select up his third win in his previous 4 fights and he believes his general physique of labor deserves consideration for a shot at Topuria.
Pimblett can be nonetheless eyeing Topuria, not simply due to their feud, however as a result of he believes it’s what’s finest for enterprise proper now.
“Now that Jon Jones is retired, I feel the most important battle the UFC could make could be me vs. Ilia,” Pimblett stated. “Now there’s no Jon Jones and so they can’t do him vs. Tom [Aspinall]. It wouldn’t shock me if I’ve obtained the belt in six-to-12 months.”
