MMA legend Demetrious Johnson is against the idea of Paddy Pimblett getting the next lightweight title shot against Ilia Topuria, especially after Pimblett`s recent face-off with Topuria following a hypothetical scenario where Topuria defeated Charles Oliveira in Las Vegas.
Even though UFC CEO Dana White stated the face-off “shouldn’t have happened” and didn`t confirm Pimblett is receiving the next title opportunity, Johnson feels that considering this possibility instead of granting the chance to No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan goes against the principle of meritocracy.
“It needs to be him, Arman Tsarukyan,” Johnson said on his YouTube channel. “This is why I say [the UFC] it’s a reality TV show. It’s like, obviously Arman Tsarukyan is the number one contender. He’s ranked number one.”
Tsarukyan recently defeated Charles Oliveira via split decision in his most recent appearance in April 2024. He was also forced to withdraw from a planned title fight with Islam Makhachev in January due to health issues hours before the weigh-ins. Despite making weight as a backup fighter at UFC 317, White did not confirm him as the next man in line for a title shot.
“Whatever you guys wanna go by the rankings,” Johnson commented, “but they’re force in this fight with Paddy Pimblett versus Ilia Topuria just because it’s probably gonna sell more. But I think the rightful person who should be getting the next title shot at lightweight is Arman Tsarukyan.”
Demetrious Johnson had previously predicted Ilia Topuria`s success based on their fighting styles. He expressed admiration for Topuria`s ability to finish fights against high-profile opponents, including the knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski that earned him the featherweight title and a prior win against Max Holloway.
While Topuria’s future in the sport appears promising, Johnson doesn’t anticipate him having a career as long as those of fighters he’s recently competed against.
Johnson predicted Topuria would fight “three or four more times and retires.”
