The hostility between UFC lightweight contenders Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett does not show a sign of decreasing.
Tsarukyan and Pimblett are one of those fighting for the first shot at the new UFC Lightweight King, which was crowned when Ilia Topuria Charles Oliveira eliminated during the International Fight Week.
While those who prefer merit on the side of Tsarukyan, others at the UFC encourage it to take advantage of Pimblett's face-off with Topuria on UFC 317 by 'the Baddy' that also includes veteran-fighter Justin Gaethje.
The Russian-Armenian competition is one of those who push back on a Pimblett-title shot, and he does not agree with more than just the possible opportunity of the scouser to become a champion.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Arman Tsarukyan rejects the title references of Paddy Pimblett – and his ranking
During a recent performance on Mike Perry's overog podcast, Tsarukyan again appealed to his feud with one of the other leading names in the lightweight title photo.
'Akhalkalakets' is not only in rejecting Pimblett's title shower references. But Tsarukyan went one step further than most and claimed that the #9-ranked Pimblett's Run and the victory over Michael Chandler do not even make him a place in the top 10 of the division.
“You have to remove (Pimblett) from the ranking,” Tsarukyan said. “He doesn't even deserve to be in the top 10.
“The last three boys he defeated, it was Chandler who had three (straight) losses, Bobby Green had three or four losses, Tony Ferguson had eight losses. That's crazy.
“And you want to take that guy with you to fight for the title? That's just … I don't know,” Tsarukyan added
Arman Tsarukyan has his own title shot problem
When it comes to Tsarukyan's attempt to secure the first shot on Topuria's gold, things recently took a hit.
It seems that the Russian-Armenian has more to do more to convince Dana White and the UFC, despite making it successful as the backup for UFC 317. But even if he wins again, the champion would clearly not be influenced.
Topuria would rather leave than fight Tsarukyan, an attitude that the Spaniard quickly saw touching “diving” allegations.
“They are going to give him a fight for the title shot, because there is no way,” said Topuria during a live stream of Nelk Boys.
“I am the world champion, I will never give him the chance to fight for the world title. I would be, listen, if that is the case, take my belt. I don't do it.”