Islam Makhachev: Paddy Pimblett Not a 'Big Challenge' for Ilia Topuria

[Kung Fu Kowboy]

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Islam Makhachev doesn’t think Paddy Pimblett deserves the next lightweight title shot.

While Arman Tsarukyan was the No.1 contender, he will headline UFC Qatar against Dan Hooker on Nov. 22 at the ABHA Arena in Doha. Tsarukyan was originally scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the title earlier this year but pulled out due to an injury. UFC CEO Dana White publicly expressed his disappointment while guaranteeing that Tsarukyan wouldn’t get the next title shot. While Makhachev knows Tsarukyan made a mistake by missing out on a title shot, he still considers “Ahalkalakets” the most deserving title contender.



With Tsarukyan out of the equation for a while, Pimblett and Justin Gaethje are the frontrunners for the next lightweight title shot against Ilia Topuria. According to Makhachev, if not Tsarukyan, Gaethje deserves a title shot over Pimblett. Makhachev notes that Pimblett’s most notable wins came against Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler, whom he doesn’t consider elite competition. Makhachev doesn’t think “The Baddy” has a decent chance against Topuria.

Makhachev: Tsarukyan Deserves Lightweight Title Shot​

“I feel Arman have to be next. Because this guy deserves,” Makhachev told ESPN. “He did mistake when he was supposed to fight with me. He was injured, did not come to weigh in, but he’s still No.1 in this division and he have to fight for the title. Maybe Arman, maybe Gaethje but not Paddy, for sure. Paddy beat who? Tony Ferguson. Chandler, everybody beat Chandler. He can do some things but I don’t see big chance. Honestly, it’s not a big challenge for Topuria. Arman is a really big deal… But nobody check Paddy before.”

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Islam Makhachev: Paddy Pimblett Not a 'Big Challenge' for Ilia Topuria

Islam Makhachev doesn’t think Paddy Pimblett deserves the next lightweight title shot.

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[FrappeDuRocma]

He's right.

 

[nostradumbass]

I like how Islam isn't even trying to be insulting, and just says matter of factly "everybody beat Chandler".

 

[Shaolin Alan]

I agree and I want to see this ass whipping so badly!!

 

[Thy]

There's a fat joke in this somewhere.

 

[Poirierfan]

I still want to see someone that "can't get knocked out" actually get knocked out (no offense Mr Paddy).

 

[Adamant]

Islam always has something to say. Same with Khabib when he was still fighting. Always giving their opinions even when it wasn't asked for.

 

[gentel]

Not a big challenge but still better title challenger than Gaethje

 

[TeenageMutantLesnarTurtle]

No shit.

Its a big fight between two prime guys with bad blood and star power though, and Islam isnt around, so why not.

 

[Leinster Rugby]

I quite like Paddy.

But there's levels to this and he ain't on Ilias level.

 

[Willie]

Islam always has something to say. Same with Khabib when he was still fighting. Always giving their opinions even when it wasn't asked for.

Lol this is a transcript of his interview with Brett okomato who litterally asked him about Pimblett. When Islam said who has paddy beaten ? Okamotto said « Chandler ? » which prompted Islam reply.
It’on Youtube

 

[Xoleth]

Not a big challenge but still better title challenger than Gaethje

This
And I like Gaethje, he is a very entertaining fighter
But he had two title shots and he was finished in both of them
Paddy doesn't deserve it as much as Arman, but at least he is fresh and he is 7-0 in UFC (well, actually 6-1 if we count robberies, but we don't count them), he has 5 POTN and, let's face it, he is also an entertaining fighter... too bad for him that he leaves his chin wide open and Topuria will most probably KTFO him.

 

[TOMFDJYEDH]

Its a much more interesting match up/contest than Ilia vs Gaethje.

 

[Gamer007]

The UFC have protected Paddy for years, I am not convinced he's a real top 5-10 guy at all. Ilia will pressure him to the cage and brutalize him with ease.

This guy managed to avoid everyone. Moicano, BSD, Grant Dawson, Dariush, Hooker, Fiziev, Gaethje, Gamrot, what an absolute joke man. It's going to be hard to maintain a top 10 spot, even with favorable matchmaking.

 

[Weighinin]

According to current jurisprudence, next one getting the title shot should definitely be Dariush if he win against BSD.

 

[SamuraiBro]

I could see Paddy’s goofy style being tougher for Ilia than people think. Paddy is no slouch on the ground and he seems pretty strong. I still think Ilia wins and by finish.

 

[TOMFDJYEDH]

I could see Paddy’s goofy style being tougher for Ilia than people think. Paddy is no slouch on the ground and he seems pretty strong. I still think Ilia wins and by finish.

I think Paddy has the style to offer something different vs Ilia at LW for sure.

He has a unorthodox standup game, very good chin, and a great ground game. Both control and subs wise. He of course hasn't faced great competition yet, and this is a huge step up but the build up would also be hilarious.

I think Gaethje vs Paddy would have made sense to see who fights Ilia next but that doesn't seem likely.

 

[balkanbomber85]

I agree, Topturo should either fight Dustin or Moicano!

 

[b00tysweat]

gonna LOL when Paddy breaks Ilias right arm

 

[wrb]

Probably now but rather see him than Justin