Paddy Pimblett has massive plans for his subsequent struggle—they usually don’t contain Arman Tsarukyan.
Tsarukyan battled his solution to a No. 1 contender spot and a rematch with Islam Makhachev for the light-weight title at UFC 311 this previous January, however every part got here crashing down for Tsarukyan when a again harm compelled him out of the chance a day earlier than struggle 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 power 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 should struggle once more, he’s eyeing fan favourite Justin Gaethje fairly than coping with Tsarukyan.
“I’d struggle anybody as you realize, I’m not arsed,” Pimblett mentioned on the One On One present. “Arman’s an excellent fighter however nobody cares about him, you realize what I imply? Individuals simply have a look at him and assume, ‘Yeah, you shit your self combating Islam. You speak a giant recreation 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 struggle. And he’s a legend. Arman isn’t. So I’d like to struggle one other legend in Justin Gaethje.”
Sadly for Pimblett, Gaethje isn’t as intrigued by their potential matchup, not too long ago 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 not too long ago 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 also 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 believe the most important struggle the UFC could make could be me vs. Ilia,” Pimblett mentioned. “Now there’s no Jon Jones they usually can’t do him vs. Tom [Aspinall]. It wouldn’t shock me if I’ve bought the belt in six-to-12 months.”
