Paddy Pimblett is brimming with confidence as he approaches what he considers to be 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. The event is scheduled for this Saturday at the Kaseya Center in Miami, and it`s a crucial matchup for both fighters. Currently positioned just outside the top 15 in global MMA rankings, a victory for Pimblett over Chandler, who is ranked No. 14, could propel him significantly up the rankings.
Pimblett`s expectations go beyond simply winning; he aims to secure a finish, leaving no room for judges` decisions.
“I believe I’m going to finish Mike within two rounds,” Pimblett stated in a UFC interview segment that also featured Chandler. “Honestly, I can envision finishing this fight in any aspect of MMA. He tends to lunge forward with his punches, and I can see myself catching him with a strike as he comes in, dropping him, or even securing a submission. To be honest, I just don’t see a path to defeat for myself.”
Michael Chandler has earned a reputation for his high-stakes, win-or-lose approach in every fight. Since transitioning from Bellator to the UFC in 2021, Chandler has faced elite competitors such as Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje, giving these future Hall of Fame fighters incredibly tough battles.
Despite a mixed win-loss record in the UFC, Chandler is highly respected for the caliber of his opponents. He is preparing to face Pimblett with the same level of seriousness he brings to all his fights.
“When you consider the level of competition I’ve faced, fighting the absolute best in the lightweight division, future Hall of Famers, that speaks to the strength of my fight record,” Chandler commented. “However, I am not underestimating Paddy in any way. Just because he may not have faced the same level of opponents doesn`t mean he lacks skill or is weak.”
“I am approaching this fight with Paddy as if he is the most dangerous opponent I could possibly encounter on April 12th. Even though he jokingly refers to himself as looking like a 16-year-old, his fighting style is anything but immature, and we are both aiming to deliver an unforgettable show for the fans.”
Pimblett boasts an undefeated 6-0 record in the UFC and has become a fan favorite due to his exciting fighting style and outspoken personality. While he may not yet have the same resume as Chandler`s past adversaries, he is a rising star and could potentially be the one to extinguish Chandler`s hopes for a UFC championship.
Pimblett is absolutely certain that Chandler will not be the one to knock him out.
“He’s right, the fighters he has previously faced are top-tier, Hall of Fame caliber,” Pimblett acknowledged. “He’s fought Poirier, Gaethje, Oliveira – all the best lightweights in the division over the last half-decade. But I believe I’m going to make defeating him look easier than they did. They played into Mike’s style by engaging in brawls with him. I honestly believe that no matter where this fight goes, I will be victorious.”
“The only scenario where I could lose is if I get caught with some kind of massive, lucky punch to the chin, but as everyone knows, people from Liverpool are incredibly tough, so there’s absolutely no chance of that happening.”
