There will be much at stake when Paddy Pimblett (23-3) takes on Justin Gaethje, in the headliner of UFC 324 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, next January. The interim UFC lightweight title will be up for grabs, setting up the winner for a shot against the 155-pound kingpin Ilia Topuria.
In April, Pimblett defeated Michael Chandler by TKO in the third round at UFC 314. The native of Liverpool, England, aimed to make a return before the end of the year. He revealed that a fight against Gaethje was previously discussed for last October. However, “The Highlight” was reluctant, as he stated that he wouldn’t fight unless there was a “title on the line.” Well, Pimblett is certain to punch his ticket for a showdown with Topuria.
“UFC love finishes, they want entertaining fights,” Pimblett told CoinPoker. “I think that’s why I’m fighting Justin Gaethje for the interim title. You don’t want people who just go to decisions constantly. Someone’s getting finished. Hundred percent that’s not going to the judges’ (scorecards).”
Pimblett takes shots at ‘nobody’ Arman Tsarukyan
Arman Tsarukyan is coming off a second-round submission victory against Dan Hooker at UFC Fight Night 265 on Nov. 22. Following his win, the Georgia native had called for his shot against the undisputed UFC lightweight champion Topuria. But despite his status as the UFC’s No. 1-ranked lightweight, Tsarukyan may now have a longer way to climb up for a title shot.
“Ahalkalakets” was displeased when the announcement of Pimblett vs. Gaethje came just a few days later, leaving his name out of the picture. Tsarukyan has made his feelings clear over Pimblett being “undeserving” of a title shot, citing the lack of quality opponents to his resume. Although “The Baddy” didn’t hold back on the opportunity to give Tsarukyan a piece of his own mind.
“I don’t give a f**k, he’s (Tsarukyan) a nobody,” said Pimblett. “He can sit out for another year, and wait. He might be number one in the rankings, but he can eat s**t. He’s a boring b*****d, lad.”
