MMA legend Demetrious Johnson expressed disapproval of Paddy Pimblett confronting the new lightweight champion Ilia Topuria immediately after Topuria`s dominant win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in Las Vegas.
Despite UFC CEO Dana White stating the face-off “shouldn`t have happened” and not confirming Pimblett as the next challenger, Johnson believes prioritizing this potential matchup over granting the opportunity to the rightful No. 1 contender, Arman Tsarukyan, goes against the principle of merit.
On his YouTube channel, Johnson asserted, “It needs to be him, Arman Tsarukyan.” He added, “This is why I say UFC is like a reality TV show. Obviously, Arman Tsarukyan is the number one contender. He`s ranked number one.”
Tsarukyan recently defeated Oliveira by split decision in April 2024 but had to withdraw from a planned title bout against Islam Makhachev in January due to health problems just hours before the weigh-ins. He served as the backup fighter at UFC 317 and successfully made weight on Friday, yet White did not confirm him as the guaranteed next challenger.
Johnson commented, “Whatever you guys want to go by with the rankings, but they`re pushing this fight with Paddy Pimblett versus Ilia Topuria probably just because it`s going to sell more. But I believe the rightful person who should get the next lightweight title shot is Arman Tsarukyan.”
Johnson had previously predicted Topuria would defeat Oliveira based on their styles and was impressed by the former featherweight champion securing a second belt with his third consecutive finish over a notable opponent, following wins over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.
While Topuria`s future appears promising, Johnson doesn`t anticipate his career lasting as long as those of his recent opponents.
Johnson stated, “Ilia is going to be a guy who fights maybe three or four more times and then retires.”
Wesley Dunham