UFC lightweight fan-favorite Paddy Pimblett has all the confidence in the world heading into his UFC 314 bout with Michael Chandler. In fact, he believes he can knock him out.
Paddy Pimblett Details How He Can Finish Chandler, Overall Gameplan
Billed to compete in the co-main event of next month’s pay-per-view show, Paddy Pimblett will face the toughest test of his career to date so far in the currently seventh-ranked Chandler. Undefeated in the UFC at 6-0, and on a eight-fight win streak since 2018, the Liverpool native has embarked on a meteoric rise up the 155-lb ladder.
Previously seen in action at UFC 304, Pimblett captured his fourth performance bonus in a row with a slick first round submission over King Green.
Paddy Pimblett Talks to Jon Anik
Sitting down with revered MMA commentator Jon Anik, for ESPN, “The Baddy” talked about his general impressions of Chandler, giving the American praise for being a fun competitor to watch, while also complementing his physique.
“He’s a unit”, Paddy Pimblett began as he and Anik both smile and chuckle. “He’s going to try and knock me head off. I do think he is one of the most entertaining fighters in the UFC. He comes out and he starts to absolutely take your head off. Swing over and left hooks, and that’s all that anyone’s ever tried to do against me and knock me out, and no one’s ever knocked me out, and Michael Chandler isn’t going to be the first person to.”
He then explained a few specific scenarios where he could stop “Iron” by knockout, utilizing his range and Chandler’s own momentum against him.
“Again just like last time, I think I want to keep him on the end of me range,” Paddy Pimblett continued. “I want to kick him, frustrate him, and I do think I can land the knockout blow as he steps in with like a punch, a kick, a knee, an elbow, anything as he steps in and brings all his weight forward and leans into the shot. I think I could knock him out, I also think I could TKO him with leg kicks.”
Michael Chandler Always Electrifying Figure, But has Struggled in Octagon
Coming off of a legendary run in Bellator, Chandler signed with the UFC in 2021, making his debut with a show-stopping finish over Dan Hooker at UFC 257. Over the years, the Kill Cliff FC representative has earned a solid reputation with fans for his exciting brawling style, but he has largely struggled against the best in the division.
Although he scored victories over Hooker and Tony Ferguson, Chandler has lost several crucial bouts versus Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira, keeping him far away from the title he almost won in 2021.
Chandler Facing Father Time and Paddy Pimblett on April 12
At 38 years of age, the time for “Iron” to become champion is ticking away at a rapid pace, making a UFC 314 triumph over Paddy Pimblett that much more key in the competitive race toward the lightweight belt.
