At UFC 329 media day this week, Paddy Pimblett took purpose at Arman Tsarukyan’s declare to the primary challenger spot within the light-weight division, insisting the Armenian should depart his wrestling endeavours and compete within the Octagon to earn actual contender standing. Pimblett made his remarks forward of his co-main occasion conflict with Benoit Saint-Denis this Saturday in Las Vegas.
Pimblett questions Tsarukyan’s credentials
Regardless of 5 straight wins within the UFC, Arman Tsarukyan has not stepped contained in the Octagon since final November, when he defeated Dan Hooker within the UFC Qatar major occasion. As a substitute, Tsarukyan has spent latest months competing in Actual American Freestyle Wrestling occasions, a transfer Pimblett believes has undermined his standing within the 155-pound hierarchy.
“He’s had like one struggle in three years and he beat an absolute bum,” Pimblett mentioned on the media day. “He wants to really struggle, not go spherical in a singlet tickling individuals. Get within the Octagon and really struggle, cease going spherical in your personal jet consuming meals.”
Deal with UFC 329 and title rivalry
Pimblett enters UFC 329 off the again of a loss to Justin Gaethje earlier this 12 months and views the competition with Benoit Saint-Denis as a stepping stone again into title rivalry. A victory over the ‘God of Battle’ might, in Pimblett’s eyes, reopen discussions of a rematch with Gaethje, who now holds the light-weight crown.
Alongside plans for a potential Gaethje rematch, Pimblett has begun publicly campaigning for a bout with Conor McGregor, who returns this weekend to face Max Holloway in the primary occasion. Nonetheless, McGregor has already dominated out a return to light-weight following UFC 329, placing Pimblett’s light-weight ambitions squarely on his personal efficiency.
Light-weight title image stays unsettled
With Tsarukyan inactive within the Octagon, Ilia Topuria unlikely to earn an instantaneous rematch after his June defeat, and McGregor dedicated to the featherweight ranks, the highway to Justin Gaethje’s title appears unsettled. Max Holloway looms as a compelling possibility, having earned a headline slot towards McGregor, although his UFC 329 consequence will decide his proximity to gold.
Pimblett’s public problem to Tsarukyan provides additional intrigue to the light-weight chase, because the division braces for shifts as soon as UFC 329 concludes this weekend.
As UFC 329 attracts close to, consideration will centre not solely on Pimblett’s efficiency but in addition on how the broader light-weight roster realigns when the mud settles in Las Vegas.
FAQ
Who’s Paddy Pimblett combating at UFC 329?
Paddy Pimblett faces French light-weight Benoit Saint-Denis within the co-main occasion of UFC 329 this Saturday. Pimblett goals to rebound from his earlier loss to Justin Gaethje and re-establish himself within the title dialog.
Why did Pimblett criticise Arman Tsarukyan?
Pimblett argued that Tsarukyan, regardless of 5 consecutive UFC wins, has not fought within the Octagon since November and has as a substitute competed in wrestling occasions, which Pimblett believes doesn’t advantage primary contender standing.
What did Tsarukyan final obtain within the UFC?
Arman Tsarukyan final fought within the UFC Qatar major occasion in November, the place he defeated Dan Hooker. He has since targeted on freestyle wrestling to remain lively.
How does the light-weight title image take care of UFC 329?
With Ilia Topuria not in line for an instantaneous rematch, Conor McGregor at featherweight and Tsarukyan inactive, the division’s subsequent challenger will possible emerge from the performances of Max Holloway, Pimblett, and different high contenders at UFC 329.
