Paddy Pimblett is brimming with self-assurance as he approaches the most significant fight of his mixed martial arts career.
Known as “The Baddy,” Pimblett is set to face Michael Chandler in the co-main event of UFC 314 this Saturday at the Kaseya Center in Miami. This match carries considerable importance for both athletes. Pimblett, currently just outside the top 15 in global MMA rankings, has the opportunity to significantly climb the ranks with a victory over Chandler, who is ranked No. 14.
Pimblett not only anticipates defeating the seasoned Chandler, a former three-time Bellator champion, but he also aims for a decisive finish, leaving no room for judges` decisions.
“I believe I will finish Mike within two rounds,” Pimblett stated in a UFC feature alongside Chandler. “I genuinely think I can end this fight in any area. He tends to lunge forward with his punches, and I can envision catching him with a strike as he comes in, dropping him, or even securing a submission. Honestly, I don`t see any path to defeat for myself.”
Chandler has become known for his all-or-nothing fighting style every time he enters the octagon. Since transitioning from Bellator to the UFC in 2021, Chandler has competed against top-tier lightweights such as Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje, giving these future Hall of Famers tough challenges.
Despite having more losses than wins in the UFC, Chandler has earned considerable respect for the high caliber of his opponents. He is preparing to face Pimblett with the same seriousness he brings to all his fights.
“When you consider the level of competition I’ve faced, coming into the UFC and immediately taking on the best – the Mount Rushmore of the lightweight division, future Hall of Famers – that has been my standard,” Chandler explained. “However, I am not underestimating Paddy. Just because he hasn`t fought the same level of opponents doesn`t mean he`s weak.”
“I am treating Paddy as the most dangerous opponent I could possibly face on April 12th. Even though he jokingly looks young, like a 16-year-old, he certainly doesn’t fight like one, and we are both going to deliver an exciting show for the fans.”
Pimblett boasts a perfect 6-0 record in the UFC and has gained significant popularity due to his exciting fights and outspoken personality. While he may not yet have the same resume as Chandler’s past rivals, he is a rising star and could be aiming to end Chandler’s hopes of a UFC championship.
Pimblett is absolutely certain that Chandler will not be the one to knock him out.
“He`s right, the other fighters he’s faced are first-ballot Hall of Famers,” Pimblett acknowledged. “He’s fought Poirier, Gaethje, Charles – all the best lightweights in the division for the last five years. But I believe I’m going to make it look easier than they did. They tend to play into Mike’s style, standing and trading blows with him. I believe wherever this fight goes, I’m going to come out victorious, to be honest.”
“The only way I can lose is if I get caught with some massive, unexpected shot to the chin, but as everyone knows, people from Liverpool are not easily knocked out, so that’s just not going to happen.”
