Arman Tsarukyan believes it would be wise for Ilia Topuria to avoid a showdown with Paddy Pimblett for now.
Topuria certainly didn’t lack confidence going into the UFC Freedom 250 lightweight title unification bout against Justin Gaethje, but that wasn’t enough to avoid the first loss of his pro MMA career. While Topuria did have some success in the fight, dropping Gaethje with body shots at one point, “The Highlight” got the better of him on the feet. Topuria’s face was battered to the point where he didn’t get off his stool for the final round due to a broken orbital.
Now that Topuria has suffered his first defeat in brutal fashion, Tsarukyan thinks “El Matador” would be playing with fire if he immediately accepts a grudge match with Pimblett. Tsarukyan appeared on “The Ariel Helwani Show” and he explained why the former UFC Lightweight Champion should stay clear of “The Baddy” (via MMAJunkie.com).
“Paddy is not the best matchup for him (Topuria), after that loss,” Tsarukyan said. “Because Paddy has a good chin, it’s difficult to knock him out. Five rounds, it’s going to be tough with Paddy. Just give him Michael Chandler. Come back, knock him out. They’ve got to protect him, you know.
“I think this loss is going to give him a lot of lessons. Not to be overconfident and to respect your opponent and keep grinding. I think he was more focused on his media stuff more than training camp.”
Topuria and Pimblett have been at odds over the years and have traded barbs over their most recent losses to Gaethje. “The Baddy” fired back at Topuria, who ripped him after a January loss to “The Highlight.” Pimblett called Topuria a “little pretender chorizo.”
For now, the top priority is for Topuria to heal up following his injuries at UFC Freedom 250. Once he is cleared for contact again, he can begin his journey back to the top of the mountain at 155 pounds.
Do you think Ilia Topuria will be able to bounce back from his first career loss, or did Justin Gaethje take a piece of “El Matador” that can’t be replaced? Chime in below.
