Tsarukyan Doubts UFC Books Topuria vs. Pimblett

Arman Tsarukyan does not expect UFC to book Ilia Topuria against Paddy Pimblett despite both lightweights landing in the same competitive orbit.

The two have nearly brawled in hotels and arenas for years, and Pimblett shoved Topuria during a cage confrontation after the Spaniard's title win at UFC 317. But Pimblett dropped a decision to Justin Gaethje months later while Topuria chased Islam Makhachev for a third belt, leaving the matchup improbable. Then Gaethje stopped Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, stripping the former champ of his belt and momentum. Pimblett meanwhile submitted Benoit Saint-Denis in 52 seconds at UFC 329, per MMA Mania.

Tsarukyan Says Promotion Will Protect Both Men

Tsarukyan told the Deep Waters podcast that UFC wants to shield both fighters from another loss. "Topuria vs. Pimblett, that fight makes sense," he said, as reported by MMA Mania. "But I don't think they are gonna do this fight. They don't want Paddy to lose. They don't want Ilia to lose again, so they are gonna give Ilia someone easy."

The top lightweight contender suggested Pimblett will get an easier path back to a title shot. He floated Max Holloway as a potential opponent for the Liverpudlian, noting Holloway's wrestling as a weakness Pimblett could exploit with takedowns.

Tsarukyan said the promotion risks letting the window close if it delays too long, pointing to how the Topuria-Makhachev fight collapsed when UFC tried to hold off. No timeline has been announced for either man's next bout.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Fantasy matchmaker Arman Tsarukyan doubts UFC books Topuria vs. Pimblett