Top ranked lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan found himself on the outside looking in after he was forced to pull out of the UFC 311 main event title bout with Islam Makhachev the day before the event.
In November, current lightweight champion Ilia Topuria announced that he was going to step away from competition while dealing with personal issue. The fight promotion opted to crown an interim champion in Topuria’s absence and Tsarukyan was left out.
Former interim lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje and No. 5 ranked Paddy Pimblett fought for the interim belt in the UFC 324 main event on Saturday and Tsarukyan downplayed both Pimblett’s and Gaethje’s talents.
“I told everybody that Justin was going to win by decision,” Tsarukyan told Paramount UFC. “I didn’t understand his (Pimblett) game plan even. He wanted to box with Gaethje but he couldn’t wrestle him. He couldn’t box him. He’s just a little bit young and he has a better chin. But he’s a trash can.”
If it were him in there with Gaethje at T-Mobile Arena, Tsarukyan predicted that he’d submit a “The Highlight” in the second round.
“I’ll choke him out in the second round,” Tsarukyan said. “He has no chin. When Paddy like clip him a little bit, he was wobbling right away, and his cardio is not that good too.” continued Tsarukyan.
Related: UFC 324 Octagon Interview: Justin Gaethje praises ‘warrior’ Paddy Pimblett’s toughness
“He’s just not in his prime anymore. Justin, like three or four years ago, he was different. Now, he’s like getting old.”
Tsarukyan set his sights on Gaethje if Topuria is unable to return in a timely manner.
“I think I’ll fight with Gaethje and Topuria is going to fight for the 170 title,” Tsarukyan said. “I want to fight with Justin because he’s interim title and if Ilia can not come at the beginning of the year – If he can fight this year, then yeah, they’ve got to fight together, but if he can not fight in June, I’d like to fight Gaethje.”
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