Paddy Pimblett is extremely confident as he approaches the most significant fight of his mixed martial arts career.
Known as “The Baddy,” Pimblett will face Michael Chandler in the co-main event of UFC 314 this Saturday at the Kaseya Center in Miami. This fight is crucial for both athletes. Pimblett, currently ranked just outside the top 15 globally by MMA Fighting, could significantly climb the rankings with a victory over Chandler, who is currently ranked No. 14.
Pimblett not only anticipates defeating Chandler, a former three-time Bellator champion, but also plans to win decisively, leaving no room for judges` decisions.
“I believe I will finish Mike in the second round,” Pimblett stated in a UFC segment that also featured Chandler. “Honestly, I think I can end this fight in any aspect of MMA. He tends to rush in with his punches, and I can envision catching him with a strike as he comes forward, knocking him down. Alternatively, I can see myself submitting him. To be honest, I don’t see any scenario where I lose.”
Chandler has become known for his all-or-nothing fighting style each time he enters the octagon. Since joining UFC from Bellator in 2021, Chandler has competed against top-tier fighters like 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 due to the high caliber of his opponents. He is preparing to face Pimblett with the same level of seriousness he has given to his previous fights.
“When considering the level of competition I’ve faced, having taken on and delivered against the Mount Rushmore of the lightweight division, future Hall of Famers, that speaks to my strength of schedule,” Chandler commented. “However, I am not underestimating Paddy at all. Just because someone hasn`t faced top-level opponents doesn`t mean they are weak.”
“I am viewing Paddy as the most dangerous opponent I could possibly encounter on April 12th. Even if he jokingly presents himself as looking like a 16-year-old, his fighting style is mature, 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 for both his exciting fighting style and his outspoken personality. While he may not yet have the same resume as Chandler’s past adversaries, he is a rising star and could be the one to end Chandler`s hopes of ever winning a UFC championship.
Pimblett is absolutely certain that Chandler will not defeat him by knockout.
“He is correct that he has fought Hall of Fame-level fighters,” Pimblett acknowledged. “He’s fought Poirier, Gaethje, and Oliveira – all the best lightweights in the division for the last half-decade. But I think I’m going to make beating him look easier than they did. They tend to play into Mike’s style by standing and trading blows with him. I believe I will win wherever this fight goes, to be honest.”
“The only way I could lose is if I get caught with a massive, unexpected, wild punch to the chin. And as everyone knows, people from Liverpool are not easily knocked out, so that’s just not going to happen.”
Marcus Blakely