Ilia Topuria is the new lightweight champion, having smashed Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 back in June.
As of this writing, the promotion has yet to select the next challenger for the 155-pound throne. Top contenders Paddy Pimblett, Arman Tsarukyan, and Justin Gaethje are at the front of the pack; however, “El Matador” is known for being a choosy champion who says no to everyone.
Perhaps Topuria is afraid of becoming the Elephant Man.
“I’m not going to do what Charles did and come out and have a boxing
match with him, because I know he’s a very good boxer,” Pimblett told Eldoberdan MMA. “I respect his hands. I respect him as a fighter, he’s very good. But once I get on top of him, he wouldn’t get back up. He wouldn’t be able to. I’d elbow him that many times that he looks like the ‘Elephant Man.’ He’s never fought with emotion before. He goes into every fight calm and calculated. With me, I’m already in his head. He’s not going to fight me like he fights everyone else. He’s going to try and take my head off, and he’s going to get his head took off in the process.”
Blame the hand sanitizer.
If matchmakers opt for Gaethje, there’s a very good chance that Pimblett will be booked to throw down with the still-upset Tsarukyan, which could prove to be a tougher matchup for “The Baddy.” The 28 year-old “Ahalkalakets” is a punishing wrestler who averages more than three takedowns per fight.
The best wrestling money can buy.
“I think stylistically, Arman [Tsarukyan] is a tougher fight than Ilia,” Pimblett continued. “He’s more of a proper lightweight. I think he’s got better grappling than Ilia. Ilia has better striking, yeah, but I just think stylistically, for me, styles make fights. Everyone fights each other different, and I think stylistically, Arman will be a tougher fight for me.”
Hopefully UFC can get the division rolling again within the next few weeks.
