Paddy Pimblett isn`t critical of Michael Chandler for potentially bending the rules to secure a win in their upcoming fight.
Leading up to their co-main event at UFC 314 in April, Pimblett spoke about accusations against Chandler from previous opponents, who claim Chandler intentionally cheats during fights. Justin Gaethje has stated that Chandler consistently breaks the rules, deserving point deductions, and Dustin Poirier has frequently criticized Chandler for putting fingers in his mouth during their 2022 fight.
However, Pimblett seems unconcerned by these allegations. He places the blame on the referee for not intervening and penalizing Chandler if he is indeed cheating. He pointed to Chandler`s fight against Charles Oliveira last November, where Chandler landed several questionable punches to the back of Oliveira`s head, yet the referee took no action.
“If you’re not cheating, you’re not trying,” Pimblett commented regarding Chandler`s tactics, speaking with UFC commentator Jon Anik. “It’s the ref’s job to catch it. If he`s throwing illegal hammer fists, the ref needs to step in or Oliveira needs to react.”
Pimblett recalled watching the Oliveira fight and observing the numerous blows to the back of the head, suggesting Chandler was aware of his actions.
Pimblett also believes Oliveira should have been more assertive, either by moving to avoid the illegal blows or by complaining to the referee.
“If I were Charles, I’d be asking the ref what he was doing,” Pimblett stated, emphasizing the poor officiating in that situation.
Poirier`s experience was different, as he admitted to biting Chandler`s fingers when they ended up in his mouth during their fight. Poirier believes his mouthguard prevented him from seriously injuring Chandler`s finger.
Pimblett warned that he would respond similarly if Chandler attempts the same tactic in their UFC 314 fight.
“I saw what happened with Poirier,” Pimblett said. “Poirier said he’d try to fish hook to get out of a choke. I’ll do the same as Poirier if it happens to me. I’ll bite his fingers, try to bite them off.”
Despite the criticisms Chandler faces for potentially bending the rules, Pimblett isn`t worried about it affecting their fight.
In fact, Pimblett seems to admire Chandler`s willingness to do whatever it takes to win.
“I always say if you’re not cheating, you’re not trying,” Pimblett reiterated with a laugh.
Regarding his prediction for the fight, Pimblett expects to win, though he`s uncertain about the exact method. He anticipates Chandler will aggressively seek a knockout, which Pimblett believes will create openings for him to counter.
“Chandler will come out aggressively, swinging big punches, like everyone else who’s tried to knock me out, and failed,” Pimblett stated. “Michael Chandler won’t be the first.”
“Like my last fight, I plan to keep him at range, use kicks, frustrate him, and I think I can land a knockout blow when he comes in. A punch, knee, kick, or elbow as he lunges forward. I also think I could TKO him with leg kicks. I doubt he’ll try to take me down; he knows I’ll submit him.”
Marcus Blakely