Tsarukyan Challenges Pimblett’s UFC Standings Amidst Rejected Bout
Arman Tsarukyan is demanding that the UFC remove Paddy Pimblett from the list of top competitors, following Pimblett’s reluctance to accept Tsarukyan’s challenge. Pimblett, who currently ascends at number ninth in the UFC lightweight championship line-up, won his most significant match against Michael Chandler in the spring month of April. Pimblett’s name is being thrown around a lot in the wake of becoming a contender for a title, attracting challenges from renowned UFC names like Dan Hooker and reigning victor Ilia Topuria.
The No.2 ranker Tsarukyan is also one of the contenders showing interest in accepting a match with the emerging star from Liverpool. However, Tsarukyan is yet to don the lightweight champion’s crown. When a potential bout with the Armenian contender was offered to Pimblett, he decided against it and indicated it didn’t fall in line with his future plans. This led to Tsarukyan expressing disdain and requesting the UFC to respond to Pimblett’s refusal.
Tsarukyan believes that Pimblett should be ejected from their ranking system due to his refusal for a face-off. He questions Pimblett’s placement among the top ten, citing his recent victories against Chandler, Bobby Green, and Tony Ferguson, who between them have a cumulative loss of more than ten matches. Tsarukyan expressed his disbelief at the UFC’s decision to place this contender in the ring for the title fight.
Tsarukyan vehemently felt that the mere mention of Pimblett’s name is unmerited given his track record. While the UFC is still deciding who among Justin Gaethje, Paddy, and Tsarukyan himself will contend for the title, he believes he should be the natural choice, given that he’s currently the top candidate.
As of now, Tsarukyan is the front-runner for a shot at the title, now that Islam Makhachev, previously ranked No.1, has ascended to the 170lbs category. Therefore, Tsarukyan seems to be the most likely next contender for the title currently held by Topuria who dethroned Charles Oliveira in the month of June.
Pimblett, however, was the one who confronted ‘El Matador’, even as Tsarukyan is considered the next in line for the title shot. Justin Gaethje’s name is also being considered, although UFC president Dana White hinted that Gaethje might not be the next challenger.
Pimblett, also known as ‘The Baddy’, seems more receptive to a resolution that does not involve Tsarukyan. Directing his thoughts on the matter, Pimblett stated that he is always on the lookout for the next match and he isn’t worried about his opponent. He had words of praise for Arman Tsarukyan as a formidable competitor but also complimented Justin Gaethje as a real tough contender.
Pimblett pointed out Tsarukyan’s reputation for backing out from fights, particularly with Islam Makhachev. Pimblett told Tsarukyan that his big talks don’t align with his actions. He further added that fighting Justin Gaethje is a far more interesting challenge because of Gaethje’s legendary status.
Pimblett seemed exceptionally excited at the idea of taking on Justin Gaethje in a possible fight. He pointed out everyone’s awareness of Gaethje’s reputation for putting up a tough fight. To him, Gaethje had carved out a legend status that Tsarukyan simply didn’t possess.
So, Pimblett made it public that he would much rather face an established fighter like Gaethje, ensuring a thrilling fight for both the participant and the audience. Tsarukyan was a skillful competitor, according to Pimblett, but he feels Tsarukyan lacks the gusto that had become synonymous with Gaethje.
This discourse between the two fighters adds another tumultuous chapter to the intriguing world of UFC. As fighters weave their strategies—both within and outside the ring—it brings a unique dimension to their persona. The attraction to opponents and the refusal to others are all part of the grand theater of mixed martial arts.
Tsarukyan’s demand for Pimblett’s removal from the UFC rankings is a bold move in response to Pimblett’s averting tactics. While Tsarukyan is looking forward to a title shot, his path seems entangled with Pimblett’s decisions. It remains to be seen how the UFC responds to this complex situation.
While the UFC and Dana White haven’t made any official confirmations of the next match, this triangle of contentions between Pimblett, Tsarukyan, and Gaethje is only escalating the anticipation around the future of the lightweight category.
The audience, though kept in suspense, is appreciating this tension that is turning every day into an exciting countdown to the much-anticipated announcement of the next fight. The question remains: who will face whom and when in the UFC lightweight championship?
Whether it’s Pimblett’s evasiveness, Tsarukyan’s appeal for retribution, or Gaethje’s collective admiration and anticipation, it’s clear that the UFC lightweight division is set for some high stakes drama that MMA aficionados will relish. Only time will tell how this saga unravels, shaping the course of the UFC lightweight championship’s future.