Ilia Topuria in face with Paddy Pimblett No. UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction/UFC
The title fights won by Alexandre pantoja e Ilia Topuria No. UFC 317, last Saturday (28). And the challengers that emerged on the occasion are also on the agenda. The number 1 in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg.), Arman Tsarukyan, did not like at all the confusion created between the new champion of the category, Ilia Torpuria, and Paddy Pimblett still in the octagon. The Spaniard took the belt after knocking out Charles of the Bronx in the first round of the main fight of the event held in Las Vegas (USA).
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“For the first 20, 30 minutes, of course I was upset. I said, ‘This is not a sport. This is WWE. They can do whatever they want — it was Joe Rogan’s mistake, and he shouldn’t have called him into the Octagon.’ I was surprised. But when Dana said it shouldn’t be like that, I was like, ‘Okay, I hope he’s not fighting for the title,’” Arman told Daniel Cormier No. channel of the former fighter.
Dana White disapproves of Topuria vs. Pimblett match
Dana White at the UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube
Right after winning the main fight of the UFC 317, Ilia Topuria starred in a surprise staredown with Paddy Pimblett inside the octagon, in a promotional move for a possible upcoming duel. However, the attitude did not please Dana White. In a press conference after the event, the UFC president criticized the improvised face-off, stating that it was something outside of protocol and that he would not have allowed it if he had still been present next to the cage. For him, the scene was a mistake by the organization.
“I don’t know who the hell let him in there. This should have never happened. Let’s start there. I was already back in my room, or this would have never happened,” Dana White said.
Arman Tsarukyan seeks new title shot
Arman Tsarukyan disapproved of the staredown between Pimblett and Topuria. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
First place in the category ranking, Arman Tsarukyan would have the chance to fight for the lightweight belt in January, when he would be in the main fight of the UFC 311 against the then champion Islam makhachev. On the eve of the event, the Armenian claimed to have suffered a back injury during the weight cutting process and was replaced by the Brazilian Renato Moicano, who ended up being finished by the Russian in the first round of the duel.
Since then, Arman Tsarukyan has been campaigning for a new chance to fight for the title. The Armenian was even chosen as a reserve for the dispute between Ilia Topuria e Charles of the Bronx No. UFC 317.
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