is bleach episode 118 filler?

A wounded 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame battles Edrad Liones through the streets of Karakura Town using his Zanpakutō, and after leaping back to avoid a high kick from Edrad, he questions why Edrad is not using his own Zanpakutō, which he assumes could just be for show. When Edrad explains that the Arrancar have skin like heavy armor due to their Hierro and claims that he can defeat Ikkaku with his bare hands, Ikkaku suddenly slashes at Edrad's arm while reinforcing his Zanpakutō with its scabbard.