Paddy Pimblett is aware of the need for self-protection in fighting, yet he intends to specifically request the referee to closely monitor Michael Chandler during their UFC 314 bout.
Ahead of their Saturday co-main event, Pimblett responded to accusations of cheating directed at Chandler by previous opponents. These accusations gained traction after Chandler`s fight with Charles Oliveira in December, where he landed blows to the back of Oliveira`s head, and Dustin Poirier`s complaints about Chandler`s fish-hooking during their 2022 fight.
Pimblett suggests there are further occasions where Chandler attempted to gain an unfair advantage by bending the rules, and he emphasizes his expectation for the referee to be vigilant during their fight.
During UFC 314 media day, Pimblett commented, “Outside the cage, he`s the nicest guy, but inside, he`s a dirty fighter, isn`t he?” He added, “I`ve always believed that if you`re not pushing the boundaries, you`re not truly trying to win. I understand Chandler`s mindset; winning is paramount in this sport.”
Pimblett continued, “Yes, I will likely mention it to the referee backstage. If he attempts to grab my gloves or poke me in the eyes, I will definitely speak up.”
It`s standard procedure for all fighters on the card to meet with their assigned referee backstage before the event. While the referee assignments for UFC 314 are yet to be announced, referees generally provide fighters with warnings about potential fouls and explain the criteria for allowing a fight to continue in close situations.
Fighters have the option to request a different referee from the athletic commission. Regarding his upcoming fight, Pimblett expressed his hope that Keith Peterson will not be the referee in the octagon with him and Chandler.
Referring to Peterson, Pimblett stated, “Remember the Oliveira fight where he hit him in the back of the head numerous times? I hope he`s not my referee, to put it mildly. I`d prefer a reputable referee like Marc Goddard or Jason Herzog. I don`t want a referee who will allow consistent rabbit punches to the back of my head.”
He further added, “The incident with Justin Gaethje was also concerning, where he poked Gaethje in the eye, and as the referee moved to intervene, Chandler landed a powerful punch to Gaethje`s face.”
Despite Chandler`s denials of intentionally cheating in fights, Pimblett is proceeding cautiously as he prepares for their UFC 314 match.
Pimblett acknowledges that Chandler might resort to any means to secure a victory, and he is bracing himself for all possibilities in what he considers the most significant opportunity of his UFC career.
Pimblett reiterated, “Like I said, Chandler is a genuinely nice guy outside the octagon. I even ran into him yesterday and we had a conversation. But inside the octagon, he transforms into a very unscrupulous competitor.”
Regarding the importance of this fight, Pimblett understands that defeating Chandler will significantly advance him towards his ultimate ambition of becoming the UFC lightweight champion.
However, Pimblett anticipates that even a dominant and impressive victory over Chandler might not earn him full recognition, a familiar pattern in his career.
Pimblett explained, “The expectations are constantly shifting for me. Before the fight, everyone is saying, `Chandler will knock him out, Paddy isn`t good enough.` Then, if I win, they`ll say, `Chandler is 2-4 in the UFC, he`s 38, he`s past his prime.` I`m accustomed to it now. I just ignore it and focus on proving my abilities by winning.”
