Paddy Pimblett would possibly simply be the way forward for the Light-weight division.
The English expertise is just some extra days from the largest take a look at of his profession, a five-round battle reverse former title challenger Michael Chandler within the co-main occasion of UFC 314, scheduled for Kaseya Middle in Miami, Florida. If victorious, Pimblett will burst into the Prime 10 (if not Prime 5!) on the energy of a seven-fight UFC win streak at simply 30 years of age.
“The Baddy” wouldn’t simply have momentum on his facet however youth as properly. Many of the Light-weight elite is older and near retirement. Consider essentially the most established 155-pound contenders like Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Chandler — they’re all of their late 30s and customarily are so much nearer to the tip of their careers then the beginning.
There’s one huge exception: 28-year-old standout Arman Tsarukyan, who was presupposed to battle present strap-hanger Islam Makhachev again at UFC 311 earlier than withdrawing on the literal final second as a result of a again damage. Pimblett, nonetheless, is deeply unimpressed by Tsarukyan’s rich upbringing and up to date pullout, seemingly unworried in regards to the youthful man’s longterm contender potential.
“The one individual within the Prime 10 I can consider who’s below 35 is Arman Tsarukyan,” Pimblett mentioned on the Full Ship Podcast (through SportsKeeda). “He’s just a bit posh boy who’s had every part handed to him on a silver platter by his dad … No [he didn’t get injured], he’s a little bit b—ch a—. That’s what you’re, Arman, little b—ch boy.”
He continued, “Dana shot him down in that interview … As a result of he bought requested is Arman nonetheless primary and he was like ‘no, he’s going to have to return to the drafting board.’ … He determined he’s not going to battle so mainly, Arman, you s—t your pants. You farted and adopted by way of and had s—t coming down your leg.”
With a win over Chandler at UFC 314, Pimblett believes he’s only one extra 2025 win away from a title shot. Accusing the current contender of pooping his personal pants is one method to begin up matchmaking discussions, so don’t be shocked if Pimblett needs Tsarukyan as his subsequent bout after “Iron Mike.”
After all, his dangerous blood with Ilia Topuria stays an evergreen choice too, notably if “La Leyenda” captures Light-weight gold.
