Tsarukyan downplays the chances of a competitor against Topuria for the UFC belt.

Ilia Topuria He is the lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction Instagram/UFC Europe

Arman Tsarukyan is bothered by the possibility of Paddy Pimblett to enter the fight for the UFC lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg). The irritation increased after Ilia Topuria apoint the British He claims to be the favorite to face him for the belt, a statement that the Armenian, also a contender for the title, considers completely nonsensical.

In a video published on YouTube by Daniel CormierTsarukyan stated that he sees no logic whatsoever in the hype surrounding Pimblett. According to him, the Briton's recent results don't justify a title fight and Paddy isn't even at the level of the top names in the category.

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“Absolutely not. He’s nobody. The UFC tried to turn him into a star. They wanted to make him a superstar. He showed some good fights, but he’s not an elite fighter. There are different levels,” said Tsarukyan.

Arman Tsarukyan believes Paddy Pimblett wouldn't be able to beat anyone from the UFC's elite.

Arman Tsarukyan in victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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In the view of Arman Tsarukyanalthough Paddy Pimblett Even if he is ranked fifth in the category, the Briton would not be able to surpass any of the top names in the division.

"Paddy can't even beat Charles, he can't beat Hooker, he can't beat Poirier, he can't beat Gaethje, he can't beat Holloway, he can't beat me. If he at least beats Gaethje, I'll say, 'Okay, this guy is good.' He's bad… Where is he?" Bobby Green And where's the grappling? My brother never trained MMA. I swear, if they fought in the street, my brother would kill him easily. Bobby Green "He's not a top-level fighter. Send him to Dagestan for two or three years," concluded Arménio.

Who should be Ilia Topuria's first challenger in the lightweight division?

Ilia Topuria in face with Paddy Pimblett No. UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

After Ilia Topuria knock off Charles of the Bronx No. UFC 317 And to win the lightweight belt, three names stand out as the main candidates for the challenger spot: Paddy Pimblett, Justin gaethje e Arman Tsarukyaneach with solid arguments to support their position.

Paddy Pimblett, Topuria's declared rival, took the lead when he stepped into the octagon still in UFC 317 For a direct face-off with the new champion. Undefeated in the UFC and possessing enormous popular appeal, the Briton emerges as one of the strongest options to challenge for the title.

Another name being considered is Justin gaethjeThe American has already had two chances to fight for the belt, but was defeated by Charles of the Bronx e Khabib NurmagomedovDespite this, he has the influence of his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, and his good victory over [the previous winner] in his favor. Raphael Fiziev in his last performance.

Lastly, Arman Tsarukyan He appears as a legitimate alternative. Currently ranked number 1, the Armenian saw his title shot slip away when he was forced to withdraw from the fight against Islam makhachev No. UFC 311 After suffering a back injury the day before the fight, he recovered, returned to the octagon, and dominated. Dan Hooker with ease in UFC Qatar, reinforcing their arguments based on the opportunity.