Arman Tsarukyan has verbally let loose on Paddy Pimblett after losing out to the Brit for a chance at interim gold.
The Armenian is the clear top contender for Ilia Topuria’s lightweight title, particularly after his return to action last week. But he was passed over in favor of a clash between more fan-friendly Pimblett and Justin Gaethje to headline the monumental UFC 324.
That there is an interim title on the line at all between Gaethje – who is 3-4 in his last seven – and Pimblett – who has risen from number nine to number five without fighting – has proven controversial not just with Tsarukyan but fans in general.
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Arman Tsarukyan shreds Paddy Pimblett in passionate UFC 324 rant
After learning of the decision to make Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje, it makes sense that Arman Tsarukyan was infuriated. He spoke to ESPN MMA, where he made his feelings very clear about the situation, even offering to help Gaethje to prepare.
“It’s a business to build Paddy and make him easy fights,” Tsarukyan admitted. “But I hope Justin gonna beat his a– and we’re going to forget about Paddy for the rest of our lives. They give him easy fights because they know he’s going to lose to Ilia and real fighters like me are just watching and waiting.
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“I would just maul his face on the ground with my elbows. When I fought with Hooker I was thinking ‘what should I do’ when I was on top. ‘Should I choke him or just elbow him’. But with Paddy, I’m never going for the choke.
“I’m going to just elbow him all day, all night and make his face bleed… Justin if you need help let me know, I will fly to you and help you. I want him to win; that bulls— guy, I hate him… I hate Paddy, I wish it was Oliveira to fight Gaethje or someone different, just not Paddy. I hate that guy.
“I don’t want to be there because I’m going to fight with somebody there. If I see Paddy I’d like to slap him. Not like with Ilia, but a real Armenian slap. Maybe that was a Spanish slap with the hands on the neck, I will show him a real slap!”
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