Arman Tsarukyan dismisses Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett fight: 'They're not on my level'

Arman Tsarukyan has been in the UFC since 2019. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Even though these are two of the most popular names in the lightweight category (up to 70,3 kg), the clash between Michael chandler e Paddy Pimblett doesn't seem to be getting attention from Arman Tsarukyan. Ranked first in the division, the Armenian made it clear that he did not take the fight seriously in an interview with the American reporter known as 'The Schmo', last Wednesday (11).

See too

UFC prospect Bo Nickal is set to return in a duel for a spot in the middleweight rankings

Event led by Deiveson Figueiredo sees the return of a veteran with 34 UFC fights

Johnny Walker returns to the UFC Octagon in a clash with an undefeated Russian in May

I don't know (who is the favorite), both of them are not good, so I don't follow them. It's like a 50/50 fight, it's just a hype fight, I don't watch their fights because they are not at my level. Only when they are fights between the top 5 or real contenders (that I watch)," he said.

While Paddy Pimblett While he is undefeated in the UFC in seven appearances, Chandler's situation is different. The former Bellator lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) has only two wins in six fights in the world's largest MMA organization, in addition to being the oldest ranked fighter in the category, close to turning 39.

For Tsarukyan, Ilia Topuria will fight for the belt

Ilia Topuria with the UFC belt. Photo: Reproduction.

PUBLICITY:

In the same interview, the fighter said he believed that Ilia Topuria will be the next opponent of Islam makhachev for the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg). Tsarukya, in turn, should have faced the Russian in the main fight of the UFC 311, but was unable to step into the octagon after suffering a back injury the day before the weigh-in.

In this context, he made himself available to measure his strength against any of the top five in the category. More recently, he reached challenge Justin Gaethje through social networks. It is worth mentioning that Tsarukyan's last performance was at UFC 300, in April 2024, when he won Charles of the Bronx by split decision.

“I think so, (Topuria will be next) and I’m open to everyone in the top 5, I don’t want to fight someone in the top 10 because I’m the number one contender and I have to fight for the title,” he concluded.

Arman Tsarukyan (left) defeated Charles of the Bronx (dir.) in UFC 300. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @UFCNews