Paddy Pimblett stated that he understands Michael Chandler`s win-at-all-costs mentality, even if it means bending the rules.
Leading up to their highly anticipated co-main event at UFC 314 in April, Pimblett addressed accusations against Chandler regarding unsportsmanlike conduct in past fights. Previous opponents like Justin Gaethje have claimed Chandler frequently bends the rules, deserving point deductions. Dustin Poirier has also criticized Chandler for putting fingers in his mouth during their 2022 fight.
Pimblett, however, doesn`t seem overly worried about these allegations. He places the responsibility on the referee to identify and penalize any rule-breaking. He pointed to Chandler`s fight against Charles Oliveira where Chandler landed several questionable blows to the back of the head, yet the referee took no action.
“If you`re not cheating, you`re not trying,” Pimblett commented on Chandler`s approach, speaking with UFC commentator Jon Anik. “It`s up to the ref. If he`s throwing illegal hammer fists to the back of Oliveira`s head, either Charles needs to move, or the ref needs to intervene.”
“I watched the fight, and Chandler definitely landed about 12 hammer fists to the back of the head, knowing full well what he was doing!” Pimblett added.
Pimblett also suggested that Oliveira should have been more proactive in alerting the referee to the illegal strikes.
“If I were in Oliveira`s position, I would have been asking the ref, `What are you doing?`” Pimblett remarked, criticizing the refereeing in that instance.
Regarding Poirier`s experience with Chandler, where Chandler allegedly put his fingers in Poirier`s mouth, Pimblett acknowledged the incident. Poirier admitted to biting Chandler`s fingers in response and believes his mouthguard prevented him from causing serious damage.
Pimblett issued a clear warning to Chandler, stating he would react similarly if faced with the same tactic at UFC 314.
“I`ve seen what happened with Poirier,” Pimblett said. “Poirier mentioned Chandler trying to `fish hook` him. I`ll do exactly what Poirier did if that happens – I`ll bite his fingers and try to bite them off.”
Despite the criticisms of Chandler`s fighting tactics, Pimblett isn`t particularly concerned about it affecting their upcoming fight.
Pimblett might even respect Chandler`s aggressive, win-at-all-costs attitude.
“Like I always say, if you`re not cheating, you`re not trying,” Pimblett reiterated with a laugh.
Predicting the fight`s outcome, Pimblett anticipates a victory, although he`s uncertain of the exact method. He expects Chandler to come out aggressively, seeking a knockout, which Pimblett believes will create counter-attacking opportunities.
“Chandler will come out swinging wildly, trying to take my head off with overhands and hooks, just like everyone else who`s tried to knock me out and failed,” Pimblett stated. “Michael Chandler won`t be the first to succeed.”
“Similar to my last fight, I plan to maintain distance, use kicks, and frustrate him. I believe I can land a knockout blow as he steps in – a punch, knee, kick, or elbow. When he commits forward, I think I can catch him. I also think I could secure a TKO with leg kicks. I doubt he`ll attempt to take me down, as he knows I`ll submit him.”
