Pimblett got the opportunity to capture his first UFC title last Saturday, albeit an interim championship. “The Baddy” mixed it up with Justin Gaethje in the headliner for UFC’s debut on Paramount+. Pimblett showed courage, but he was outmatched by the heavy-handed Gaethje, who scored several knockdowns en route to a unanimous decision.
During a performance op “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Tsarukyan said a major title headlining spot was never Pimblett’s spot to begin with (h/t MMA Junkie).
“I loved every moment of Gaethje clipping him,” Tsarukyan said. “He’s a (expletive). He doesn’t deserve to be there, you know? That’s why I was like, I was happy because now the UFC can see why they put the trash can there. And he never deserved to be there.”
Tsarukyan wouldn’t be surprised if most of the lightweights in the top 15 of the rankings can beat Pimblett if given the chance.
“To be honest, he doesn’t have any technique,” Tsarukyan continued. “Oh my God. I feel like anyone can beat him. The good fighters that are at the top of the top 15 can beat anyone, unless it’s Michael Chandler, because Michael Chandler, UFC also got him in the top 15, just like him. … If you go down the list, (Rafael) Fiziev, Benoit (Saint Denis), me, (Charles) Oliveira, (Max) Holloway, anyone can beat him. Dan Hooker beats him 100 percent.”
Now that Pimblett has dropped a post, Tsarukyan hopes the door has been opened for a future lightweight title fight in 2026. Gaethje has already secured a title unification fight with Ilia Topuria, but the options beyond that are shrinking and Tsarukyan is an obvious choice as a future lightweight title challenger.
How far is Paddy Pimblett from achieving championship status? Tell us in the comment section below.
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