A future fight between Paddy Pimblett and Arman Tsarukyan could be in the works.
Pimblett is set to face Michael Chandler this Saturday in the co-main event of UFC 314, a significant bout that could propel him into the lightweight Top 10. Should he succeed, Pimblett appears to have already ignited a rivalry with the current No. 1 contender, Arman Tsarukyan.
In a recent episode of 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 very different. Arman Tsarukyan is the only Top 10 fighter under 35 I can think of. He`s just a spoiled rich kid who`s had everything easy thanks to his dad. He’s a little crybaby, that’s what you are, Arman.”
Pimblett also referenced Tsarukyan`s withdrawal from a previous fight, saying, “He made videos doing neck flips and then complained about a bad back. Dana White even called him out on it, questioning his No. 1 ranking and suggesting he needs to rethink his approach.”
“Basically, Arman,” Pimblett concluded, “you messed up big time.”
Tsarukyan was originally slated to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 311 in January but withdrew the day before. Renato Moicano replaced him, and Dana White indicated Tsarukyan would need to re-earn his title shot. Now, responding to Pimblett`s comments, the top-ranked Tsarukyan seems ready to address their differences in the octagon, provided Pimblett defeats Chandler.
Tsarukyan fired back, stating, “Says the guy who got an easy ride to the UFC top because of his funny accent and mop-top haircut. I dare you to call me out if you win, and we’ll see who chickens out when we actually meet in the octagon, 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.
Wesley Dunham