Paddy Pimblett (24-4) says he is open to facing any of the UFC’s top lightweights next, while questioning why Arman Tsarukyan’s win over Mauricio Ruffy has strengthened his position in the title picture.
“Ruffy is good, but he’s ranked [No] 7. I’ve just beat ranked [No] 5, so since UFC 300, he hasn’t beat anyone ranked higher than I’ve beat in over two years, but somehow, he’s next for the title? It’s one of them. I’ll just fight whoever’s name gets put on a contract to me. I don’t turn down any fights. I’ve never turned down a fight. If Arman gets offered to me, I’ll fight him. If Ilia gets offered to me, I’ll fight him. If Charles, if Justin, I’ll fight anyone. I don’t care,” Pimblett said.
Pimblett most recently defeated Benoit Saint Denis, who was ranked No. 5 at lightweight, while Tsarukyan knocked out No. 7-ranked Mauricio Ruffy in the first round at UFC 331.
Tsarukyan’s victory strengthened his position as the division’s leading contender, with the UFC describing him as the No. 1 contender following the win.
Lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has also said Tsarukyan is “next in line” and that if he chooses to defend the title, Tsarukyan is the opponent he expects to face.
Pimblett, however, remains open to fights with Tsarukyan, Ilia Topuria, Charles Oliveira or Gaethje depending on what the UFC offers him next.