Kamaru Usman recently blasted the rumors linking Paddy Pimblett to a UFC lightweight title shot. Usman believes that would disrespect the current rankings and the fighters who earned their spots.
Ilia Topuria, the reigning lightweight champion, captured the title after an impressive knockout win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. After the fight, he and Pimblett had a tense face-off inside the octagon. Their exchange appeared to set the stage for a future title fight.
The exchange wasn’t well received and not everybody is on board with that fight being next. UFC CEO Dana White, along with top contenders Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje, rejected the idea of the fight materializing.
Usman also voiced strong disapproval, especially if Pimblett skips ahead of Gaethje for Topuria’s first title defense.
Speaking on his Pound 4 Pound podcast, Usman highlighted the importance of earning a title shot through the rankings. He suggested Pimblett continue his ascension and face another top contender first.
“It would really kind of be a spit to the face of those merits of the best [in the division] fights the next best guy if you’re gonna skip a Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, Dan Hooker, Mateusz Gamrot, and just say, ‘Paddy The Baddy, you fight for the title next, ” Usman said. “Pimblett has done a phenomenal job with the opposition he’s been given. Let’s get him someone in that top five.”
Kamaru Usman Explains How Paddy Pimblett can Change his Mind
Despite his criticism, Usman didn’t dismiss Pimblett’s career growth. In fact, he gave the Englishman credit for his improvements and acknowledged his recent success.
Usman suggested that if Pimblett builds off his win over Michael Chandler, he could move into legitimate title contention. A victory over a ranked opponent could change that narrative.
“Pimblett has definitely said, ‘Hey, you put me in the top 15, I beat the guy, so I can cut the line to the top 10. You put me in the top 10, I beat the guy, so I can cut the line to the top five,’” Usman said. “I think [Pimblett] has a really good chance at fighting for that title, but look at those top four [lightweights].”
Pimblett’s future looks bright. If he doesn’t get a title shot next, a title eliminator bout would still be logical.
Usman Explains Why Justin Gaethje isn’t Receiving Next Title Shot Over Pimblett
Usman also touched on Gaethje’s situation and why he believes his teammate isn’t next in line for the title. ‘The Highlight’, a former interim champion, has been campaigning for a title shot and even threatened to retire.
Speaking to his co-host Henry Cejudo, Usman pointed out that if Gaethje were the obvious choice, the UFC would have made the fight official by now.
“If it was Justin Gaethje [challenging Topuria next], you would have made the fight already,” Usman said. “The fact that [the UFC] haven’t made that fight already just tells me that you want to [Gaethje] to maybe have another fight.”
Still, Usman was firm with his belief that Pimblett shouldn’t skip over anyone, even if Gaethje doesn’t get the opportunity.
“If that’s the case, then it’s gotta be Arman Tsarukyan [challenging Topuria]. Easy as that.”
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