Renato Moicano believes Paddy Pimblett is weak

Paddy Pimblett has been labelled "weak" by Renato Moicano, a lightweight contender in the UFC, eliminating the possibility of a match.

Pimblett, 28, won a contentious decision match against Jared Gordon at UFC 282 to extend his unbeaten streak in the UFC to four fights.

Over the course of three rounds, Gordon delivered more punches than Pimblett, secured three takedowns, and accrued more than six minutes of total control time. In spite of this, Pimblett was given a unanimous decision victory by all three judges, angering the crowd.

Since he hasn't faced any of the top 15 lightweight contenders, "The Baddy" isn't currently ranked in the division. A bout with Pimblett has been ruled out by Moicano, who ranks No. 13 at 155 lbs. Moicano believes Pimblett is being protected by the UFC because of his star status in the organisation.

“Weak, weak, weak,” Moicano said of Pimblett to Ag Fight. "It doesn’t even smell, there’s no way. You can quit. Guys who want to see a fight with Paddy Pimblett, it’s no use, there won’t be. The UFC will protect him, there’s no way around it. We have to go to the fights that can happen. Paddy Pimblett is history, it’s just talk.”

Pimblett sustained an ankle injury during his victory over Gordon and will require surgery in March, preventing him from signing up for the upcoming pay-per-view event in London. Brazilian fighter Moicano, who defeated Brad Riddell by submission in the opening round last November, plans to compete at UFC 287 in April.