Paddy Pimblett is stunned by the suggestion that he is not worth a title shot that gave the road from Islam Makhachev to the UFC light weight gold three years ago.
Pimblett had a chair in the front row when a new champion was crowned in his division at UFC 317 on June 28. In the main event of the International Fight Week Pay-per-View, Ilia Topuria Charles Oliveira played out to reach Tweedivisie Glory and Makhachev on the throne on the throne on the throne of 155 pounds.
'The Baddy' came into the cage after the fight at Joe Rogan's request and led to a heated face-off between Pimblett and Topuria who ended when the newly crowned lightweight king pushed his old rival.
But although that has set up a potential resort for later this year, not everyone is enthusiastic about the possibility.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Paddy Pimblett 'irritated' by the idea that he does not deserve a title shot
Since UFC 317, parts of the MMA community and other lightweight contenders have returned to the Pimblett claim on the first shot in Topuria.
In his last fight, Pimblett ran by Michael Chandler on UFC 314 in Miami. But given the matte record of the American in the Octagon, many have considered that he won 'The Baddy' a title option.
The scouser hit back during an interview with Sky Sports, and pointed out how Makhakevet earned his title shot from 2022 and Oliveira achieved its place against Topuria this year.
“It annoys me when people say I don't earn when Islam got a title after beating Bobby Green, and I beat him faster,” Pimblett said.
“Oliveira shot a different title to beat Chandler, with whom he was decided and was almost ready, when I hit Chandler for three rounds and hit him like no one before.
“People just have a different opinion when I am, while these other hunters, it's good, they give them a title shot,” Pimblett added.
Paddy Pimblett is apparently not the 'nearest' of the next title fight
Despite his strong comments, the opportunities of Pimblett to end with Topuria recently a hit next time.
The manager of Topuria gave Justin Gaethje a boost and told Kanał Sportowy that the former interim champion is the “nearest” to get the fight.
“Third belt is a matter of time. For now we have given our word to the UFC that we stay with lightweight,” said Lukasz Orzel (H/t Matyseek).
“We are waiting to see who comes to mind when the natural competition. We would like to fight again this year. Gaethje is the closest, the time will tell if he's.”
If that is the case, the UFC may book another resorting competition with 'The Baddy', while the scouser continues to exchange words with top candidate Arman Tsarukyan.