Arman Tsarukyan’s first message since UFC 314 didn’t include any reference to his biggest name callout.
The number one lightweight contender was one of a number of names on the receiving end of Paddy Pimblett’s promo after he stunningly stopped Michael Chandler in the night’s co-main event. He was almost an afterthought, but appeared to be the one with whom Pimblett has the most personal issue.
Tsarukyan hasn’t fought since he was forced out of UFC 311 at the eleventh hour due to a back injury. He has remained training and explained his issue, but has also been told by Dana White that he won’t be going immediately back into a title shot against Islam Makhachev.
Arman Tsarukyan posts for the first time since UFC 314
Late last night, Arman Tsarukyan finally took to social media to answer fan questions about when he will next be fighting. It has now been over a year since his win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 that brought him to the top of the division.
He now needs one more outing to show the UFC that he will be able to show up after pulling out of his world title shot back in January. And he has told fans in an Instagram message: “Many have been asking when the fight is.
“I am calm – training, focused, and waiting for my moment. Sports aren’t always about fair, but I believe if you put in the work, don’t give up and stay true to yourself everything will come. The key is to be ready when the time comes.”
Paddy Pimblett called out Arman Tsarukyan after UFC 314
One man conspicuous in his absence from Tsarukyan’s message is Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett. The scouse superstar named the number one contender as one of four names he wants to fight next after his impressive win over Chandler on Saturday.
“F— Arman,” he told Joe Rogan after initially naming him as a prospective opponent for his final fight before challenging for the belt, noting that he respects Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje whom he also called out. “He’s a little helmet, f— that sausage.”
Pimblett and Tsarukyan’s rivalry appears to be the most heated of any of the names mentioned, with the pair going back-and-forth during fight week on social media.
