A future showdown between Paddy Pimblett and Arman Tsarukyan is potentially brewing in the UFC lightweight division.
Pimblett is set to face Michael Chandler this Saturday in the co-main event of UFC 314, a pivotal fight that could propel him into the lightweight Top 10. Should he succeed, Pimblett seems to have his eyes set on current No. 1 contender, Arman Tsarukyan.
In a recent appearance on the Full Send podcast, Pimblett dismissed the established lightweight contenders, stating, “The old guard of the lightweight division, they’re all on the way out… In the next few years, the Top 10 will look completely different. The only Top 10 fighter under 35 I can think of is Arman Tsarukyan. He’s a privileged, spoiled brat, handed everything by his dad. He’s a weakling, Arman. A total weakling.”
Pimblett also referenced Tsarukyan`s past injury issues and Dana White`s public comments, adding, “He made videos doing neck flips, then complained about a bad back. Dana White even called him out, saying he needs to rethink his approach after being dropped from the No. 1 spot.”
Pimblett concluded his tirade with a crude insult, “Basically, Arman, you messed up big time and now you`re dealing with the consequences.”
Tsarukyan was originally slated to fight Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 311 in January, but withdrew the day before the event. Renato Moicano stepped in as a replacement, and Dana White declared Tsarukyan would need to re-earn his title opportunity. Now, responding to Pimblett’s insults, Tsarukyan, currently ranked No. 1, seems ready to confront Pimblett if he defeats Chandler this weekend.
Tsarukyan fired back, stating, “Says the guy who got an easy ride to the top in the UFC because of his funny accent and cheap Beatles haircut. I dare you to call me out if you win, and we’ll see who chickens out in the octagon when we meet, clown.”
UFC 314 is scheduled for this Saturday at the Kaseya Center in Miami, headlined by Alexander Volkanovski versus Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight title.
