UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan thinks the level of Paddy Pimblett’s opponents demonstrates the inconsistent way UFC is dealing with their talent.
Pimblett was once a Cage Warriors champion. He’s now has rapidly developed into one of the promotion’s fastest-rising stars.
While Pimblett is still trying to get comfortable in the cage, his star power is undeniable. UFC’s English events all but proved it. While there were bigger names on the card, the atmosphere was electric during his performances and entrance.
Three wins have contributed to Paddy’s rise, but his personality is arguably a bigger factor. Pimblett also has a coveted podcast on the Barstool sports network which is guaranteed to make him more money than his UFC performances.
After defeating Luigi Vendramini in his professional debut at UFC Vegas 36 in September, Pimblett won two by submission. Out of the three opponents he’s had in the cage, two have been released from the UFC already. Vendramini and Vargas are no longer UFC contractors.
Now, the Liverpool native will make his pay-per-view debut on December 10 at UFC 282 in Las Vegas when he takes on Jared Gordon.
Many have said that Pimblett’s encounter with Gordon will be his toughest to date inside the Octagon and a step up in competition. However, others think it will be the latest instance of the talented lightweight being given a favorable matchup as part of a gradual ascent up the rankings.
Arman Tsarukyan tried to call out Pimblett recently but to no avail.
As usual the Top 10 Fighters don't want to fight me and I will not sit and wait for any of those guys. Unlike everyone else, I accept any bout they give me. I don't take easy fights and I will continue to fight the toughest guys in the division. https://t.co/lhSoVyI2xj
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) September 29, 2022
Tsarukyan told Allstar that Paddy is afraid to share the Octagon with him. He implied that Paddy has the advantage of being able to pick and choose his opponents.
“I think he doesn’t want to fight with me. He is a scared guy. If they’re gonna pay him a lot of money, probably after that he’s gonna fight (ranked opponents). But he can choose opponents, fighters. He can have a lot of experience with weak fighters and then get top 15.”
He continued: “It’s a good game plan, too. But we didn’t have this chance, you know? To fight with someone we want. Mostly Russian fighters, we can’t choose. Because we want to fight, and we make money because of fights. We want to be champion, we don’t want to wait one year or two years like USA fighters.”
Tsarukyan recently headlined UFC Vegas 57 against Mateusz Gamrot. The 26-year-old lost a close unanimous decision after five unforgettable rounds.