Latest news with #Pimblett
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Paddy Pimblett prefers Justin Gaethje over 'absolute tool' Arman Tsarukyan, gets response
Paddy Pimblett prefers Justin Gaethje over 'absolute tool' Arman Tsarukyan, gets response Paddy Pimblett explains why Justin Gaethje, not Arman Tsarukyan is the fight to make. Pimblett (23-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC) is perhaps one big win away from title contention after scoring a dominant finish of Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April. Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira will battle for the vacant lightweight title in the UFC 317 main event on June 28, and Pimblett sees Justin Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) as his ticket to the winner of that fight. "I'm hoping to fight in Abu Dhabi in October," Pimblett told BBC Sport. "I think that's when I'm going to be back in the cage. I was thinking Ilia might call me out if he wins (against Oliveira). I'd love to beat him if he gets the belt. I'd love to fight him anyway, but he's booked, so I think it's more than likely Justin Gaethje." The only other available option for Pimblett in the top five is Arman Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC), who was booked to face Islam Makhachev in a title fight at UFC 311 before withdrawing the day before due to a back injury. Pimblett went off on Tsarukyan for pulling out. Tsarukyan said he'd be willing to fight Pimblett in summer, but "The Baddy" did not reciprocate the interest. "No one (cares) about Arman Tsarukyan and people actually want to watch Gaethje fight," Pimblett said. "People know it'll be an exciting fight, me vs. Gaethje. Tsarukyan, he's just an absolute tool, and then it's me and Gaethje. One win away and I'll be fighting for the belt. Yeah, that's always been the aim. It's the only aim that we have." Tsarukyan fired back at Pimblett.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
UFC star makes confident Paddy Pimblett vs Ilia Topuria admission
Pimblett and Topuria have been on a collision course ever since they clashed at the fighter hotel during UFC London in 2022, and the fight could soon be on the horizon UFC welterweight sensation Ian Machado Garry has predicted a fight between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett would go down as one of the "biggest fights" ever. The bad blood between 'The Baddy' and Topuria dates back to an infamous altercation three years ago during a UFC London event. After a heated exchange in the fighter hotel, Pimblett threw a bottle of hand sanitiser at Topuria, sparking chaotic scenes. The clash in London seemed to ignite the bitter feud, and there have been teases about them facing off in the octagon despite previously competing in different divisions. However, that all changed earlier this year when Topuria vacated his featherweight title in favour of a move up to 155lbs. 'El Matador' has jumped straight into a title fight against Charles Oliveira for the newly vacated 155lb championship belt at next month's UFC 317, following Islam Makhachev's decision to step up to welterweight. Providing Topuria comes away with the win and unscathed, it could set up eagerly anticipated clash with the Liverpudlian. 'The Baddy' recently secured the most significant victory of his career against Michael Chandler, and despite many believing the Brit needs another win before competing for the title, he could be thrust into a title bout with Topuria due to their mutual animosity. While 'El Matador' is set to fight Oliveira, a close friend of Machado Garry, the Irishman is still keen to see a showdown between Topuria and Pimblett. In an interview with he said: "Paddy's been phenomenal. You can't give nothing but praise to what he's done and how he's done it. He's gone out there. He's backed up everything he said. He's beaten and is beating everyone that's been put in front of him and he's looked great and has that popularity inside and outside the Octagon, he's doing what he needs to do, and he's doing a very good job at it. Paddy and Ilia is a massive, massive fight if that happens down the line. It's going to be so big, so big. I reckon that's a stadium [fight]. That'll be one of the biggest fights we've ever seen." Pimblett is indeed keen on facing Topuria in Abu Dhabi in October, but he admits that his likely opponent will be Justin Gaethje. "I'm hoping to fight in Abu Dhabi in October. I think that's when I'm going to be back in the cage," Pimblett told BBC Sport. "I was thinking Ilia might call me out if he wins [against Oliveira]. I'd love to beat him if he gets the belt. I'd love to fight him anyway but he's booked, so I think it's more than likely Justin Gaethje." The Brit was asked about his interest in dangerous contender Arman Tsarukyan - to which he replied: "No one [cares] about Arman Tsarukyan and people actually want to watch Gaethje fight. People know it'll be an exciting fight, me versus Gaethje," said Pimblett. "Tsarukyan, he's just an absolute tool, and then it's me and Gaethje. One win away and I'll be fighting for the belt. Yeah, that's always been the aim. It's the only aim that we have."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pimblett targeting Topuria or Gaethje fight in October
Paddy Pimblett says he would love to fight Ilia Topuria in Abu Dhabi in October but his opponent is most likely to be Justin Gaethje. Liverpool's Pimblett earned a statement win over Michael Chandler last month before calling for his next bout to be against an opponent ranked in the top five. Spain's Topuria faces Brazil's Charles Oliveira for the lightweight belt at UFC 317 on 28 June after former champion Islam Makhachev vacated his belt to move up to welterweight. American Gaethje doesn't have a fight booked and is third in the UFC's lightweight rankings - five places above Pimblett. The UFC usually hosts a numbered event in Abu Dhabi in October but a potential date for this year's show is yet to be set. "I'm hoping to fight in Abu Dhabi in October. I think that's when I'm going to be back in the cage," Pimblett told BBC Sport. "I was thinking Ilia might call me out if he wins [against Oliveira]. I'd love to beat him if he gets the belt. "I'd love to fight him anyway but he's booked, so I think it's more than likely Justin Gaethje." Pimblett has history with former featherweight champion Topuria after the pair clashed at a hotel before UFC London in 2022. Topuria, 28, vacated his belt earlier this year to move up to lightweight, opening the door to a potential fight with Pimblett. Gaethje, meanwhile, last fought in March with a win over Rafael Fiziev - and with 20 knockouts from 26 bouts, he remains one of the most popular fighters on the roster. With fourth-ranked Max Holloway facing fifth-ranked Dustin Poirier on 19 July, the only other fighter without a fight booked in the top five is Armenia's Arman Tsarukyan, who Pimblett has no interest in. "No one [cares] about Arman Tsarukyan and people actually want to watch Gaethje fight. People know it'll be an exciting fight, me versus Gaethje," said Pimblett. "Tsarukyan, he's just an absolute tool, and then it's me and Gaethje. "One win away and I'll be fighting for the belt. Yeah, that's always been the aim. It's the only aim that we have." Since his UFC debut in 2021 Pimblett has won all seven fights and grown into one of the most popular fighters in the promotion. Pimblett has long wanted to headline a show in his hometown Liverpool but the UFC hasn't held an event in the city since 2018, instead choosing to put shows on in London and Manchester. Because Liverpool's biggest arena, the M&S Bank Arena, only has a capacity of 11,000, Pimblett has suggested Premier League champions Liverpool's stadium Anfield as a potential venue. UFC president Dana White, however, has often opted against hosting shows in stadiums, citing a lack of atmosphere and potential rain as the reasons why. Pimblett has suggested White should visit Anfield to watch a Liverpool game to change his mind. "It needs to be Anfield. That's the only the only viable place to do it. And I know Dana doesn't like doing stadiums, he's done it in Australia, but Anfield is different," said Pimblett. "He needs to come to Anfield on a Champions League night or when we play Manchester United or something like that, or even the blue shirt [Everton]. "You need to come and watch because you'd be like 'wow, this is unbelievable'." MMA schedule and results 2025 Watch every Born to Brawl episode Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
UFC star Paddy Pimblett issues heartfelt statement after Liverpool parade scare
Liverpool's parade around the city to celebrate their Premier League title win on Monday was overshadowed by a serious incident involving a car, which left 27 people injured UFC star Paddy Pimblett was among those left scared and worried after attending the Liverpool parade. Pimblett is a Liverpool supporter and was among the estimated one million people who lined the streets on Monday to celebrate the club's Premier League title win, only to see the even overshadowed. The joyous event was marred by a serious incident which saw 27 people injured. A 53-year-old man was arrested after a car he was driving ploughed into fans on Water Street in the city centre. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live on Tuesday morning, Liverpool City Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said there were "still four people who are very, very ill in hospital". He added: "We are hoping of course that they pull through." Pimblett and his family were among the fans who took to the streets to see the Liverpool players on an open-top bus parade. However, while he was not among those injured, his day turned sour when he heard about what had happened. "Went the parade today amazing support as always for our reds nobody does celebrations and parades like us @liverpoolfc," Pimblett wrote on Instagram. "Taking the babies [to] their first ever parade today was a memory I'll never forget the looks on their little faces looking at the spectacle and I'll have the pictures and videos to show them when they grow up. "Still cannot believe what actually happened after it, day of celebration turned into a worry for everyone who was there or even knew anybody there, friends and family messaging to make sure that they are safe something that we shouldn't have to do or worry about. "I hope anyone injured has a fast recovery and anyone affected already knows they have the full city supporting them, red or blue it doesn't matter. Things like this are more important than football. YNWA." Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was in the city over the weekend and also released a statement on social media. He wrote: "My family and I are shocked and devastated. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are injured and affected. You'll never walk alone." Liverpool have decided to postpone further planned celebrations for club staff on Tuesday. In an email to staff the club said they 'will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities' and encouraged staff 'to come together at this time to support each other'. In a statement on Monday evening, Liverpool wrote: "We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade earlier this evening. "Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident. We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident." Liverpool Mayor Rotheram said in a statement on Tuesday morning: "There is still a police presence here and a tent up at the scene and the police will continue to carry out their investigations until they are satisfied that they have collected all the evidence and that they can open Water Street and the surrounding area. "Yesterday is a complete contrast to the scene now, there is hardly anybody on the streets and yesterday there was up to one million people perhaps on these streets all with one thing in mind to show the football team that they love the admiration, the euphoria at winning the Premier League and watch their heroes go by and that's what happened to the large extent."
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Arman Tsarukyan open to UFC fight vs. 'big name' Paddy Pimblett this summer
Arman Tsarukyan open to UFC fight vs. 'big name' Paddy Pimblett this summer Arman Tsarukyan likes the idea of fighting Paddy Pimblett next but sooner rather than later. Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) was left out of the title picture after the promotion opted to match up Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in the UFC 317 headliner on June 28 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. That's due to Tsarukyan's last-minute withdrawal from his title fight against then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January, where he pulled out from a back injury the day before the fight. A far-from-pleased Dana White said Tsarukyan will have to earn his way back to the title. But against whom? Shortly after suggesting Justin Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC), Tsarukyan says why not Pimblett (23-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC) if the fight can happen in summer. "He looked very good in his last fight," Tsarukyan told Red Corner MMA of Pimblett. "Now we can say he can beat top-10 fighters. He's No. 8 or something, and he's not going to fight very soon. Maybe he wants to fight at the end of this year, but I want to fight this summer and the end of this year. I'll take that (summer) because he has a big name, he just beat Michael Chandler, and he has a six or seven-(fight) win streak. He's never lost in the UFC. It makes sense to get back and to get more fans from the U.K." However, Tsarukyan may not be on Pimblett's radar. Not only is Pimblett targeting Gaethje next, he's looking at the October pay-per-view event in Abu Dhabi, and Tsarukyan isn't willing to wait that long.
