UFC star Paddy Pimblett chose a surprising name for those who should book the matchmakers for the next lightweight defending defense of Islam Makhachev.
Paddy Pimblett will be confronted with Michael Chandler's most difficult test of his UFC career in the UFC 314 Co-Main event next month. After an unbeaten streak with six fights to start his UFC official period, Pimblett quickly rises the lightweight ranks after etching his name in the top 15.
Although a title shot is probably a few wins, Pimblett keeps a close eye on top candidates at 155 pounds. UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev is expected to return this summer for his next defending defense after completing short-note opponent Renato Moicano on UFC 311.
Arman Tsarukyan was believed to be confronted with Makhachev in the UFC 311 headliner before he withdraws to hours informed due to a back injury. After the withdrawal of the Short-notice, Tsarukyan may have to fight against another top candidate before he makes another case for a shot in the belt.
Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty images
Paddy Pimblett Matchmakes Islam Makhacheve's next defending defense
UFC Vederweight Champion Ilia Topuria's addition to the lightweight title photo further complicates the case for the next title fight. Pimblett and Topuria have an extensive history, in particular as a result of their fight in 2022 in the Fighter Hotel prior to a UFC Fight Night event in London.
During a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Pimblett was asked for his first reaction to the withdrawal of Tsarukyan and who should be the next challenger of Makhakev.
“I couldn't believe it. I thought it was crazy. What's going on here? “Said Pimblett.” And I don't want him badly, but the way Dana spoke about it in his press conference, it was as if it was his decision to withdraw. The doctor did not say “you can't fight” … But I felt a bit bad for him when Dana said, “He is not the next. He will have to go back to the drawing table.”
“But personally Arman still earns the next title shot,” Pimblett continued. “Islam's already defeated Charles, Beat Poirier … did not fight with Gaethje, but Holloway made Gaethje out. So I think the only person who is with him is to fight is Arman, Arman deserves that title more than [Ilia Topuria] do.”
UFC CEO Dana White admitted that an immediate title shot is not certain for the return from Topuria to lightweight. He may have to face another top candidate, like Charles Oliveira, before making the business on the title.
Arman Tsarukyan presented a no. 1 candidate fight with recent UFC 313 Victor
Another name that makes a strong case for a title shot is Justin Gaethje, who earlier this month beat Rafael Fiziev on UFC 313. Gaethje argued for a title shot online to White, who led Tsarukyan to spot his business.
Tsarukyan presented a top candidate with Gaethje, where the winner received a title shot for their next booking. But at the moment Gaethje has not tackled Tsarukyan's offer.
Makhachev's coach and manager believe that Topuria should win at least one fight for a title shot. But after Topuria had plagued huge fight news, it is possible that he could get the next nod.
Pimblett knocks on the door of title conflicts when entering UFC 314. If he finishes Chandler in the Octagon, he could get a big push in the direction of the top 5.
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