Paddy Pimblett explains why Justin Gaethje, not Arman Tsarukyan is the fight to make.
Pimblett (23-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC) is perhaps one big win away from title contention after scoring a dominant finish of Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April.
Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira will battle for the vacant lightweight title in the UFC 317 main event on June 28, and Pimblett sees Justin Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) as his ticket to the winner of that fight.
“I’m hoping to fight in Abu Dhabi in October,” Pimblett told BBC Sport. “I think that’s when I’m going to be back in the cage. I was thinking Ilia might call me out if he wins (against Oliveira). I’d love to beat him if he gets the belt. I’d love to fight him anyway, but he’s booked, so I think it’s more than likely Justin Gaethje.”
The only other available option for Pimblett in the top five is Arman Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC), who was booked to face Islam Makhachev in a title fight at UFC 311 before withdrawing the day before due to a back injury. Pimblett went off on Tsarukyan for pulling out.
Tsarukyan said he’d be willing to fight Pimblett in summer, but “The Baddy” did not reciprocate the interest.
“No one (cares) about Arman Tsarukyan and people actually want to watch Gaethje fight,” Pimblett said. “People know it’ll be an exciting fight, me vs. Gaethje. Tsarukyan, he’s just an absolute tool, and then it’s me and Gaethje. One win away and I’ll be fighting for the belt. Yeah, that’s always been the aim. It’s the only aim that we have.”
Tsarukyan fired back at Pimblett.
“It was obvious you were talking trash with zero intention of backing it up. Your UFC career is built on handouts, hype, and shortcuts to the top.”
