If you didn’t know that Paddy Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC) was an amazing fighter before UFC 314 over the weekend, you certainly should know now. Over the weekend, Pimblett, nicknamed “The Baddy” received the co-main event spotlight inside Kaseya Center in Miami.
For the span of less than three rounds of MMA, Lionel Messi wasn’t the biggest sports star in Miami. During the co-headlining bout versus Michael Chandler (23-10 MMA, 2-5 UFC), Pimblett proved his famous quotation accurate:
“I’m a Scouser. We don’t get knocked out,” Pimblett once said. He was the one dishing out the pain in an amazing performance over the weekend. Going into UFC 314 this past Saturday night, he was ranked No. 12 at 155 lbs, while Chandler was ranked No. 7.
Paddy Pimblett Scores Resume-Building Win in Highest-Profile Fight in UFC
Despite the high stakes involved in the UFC 314 co-main event, Paddy Pimblett didn’t wilt under pressure. Those who bought the pay-per-view via ESPN+ were treated to quite the show on Saturday evening.
During the first round of the contest, he opened things up by peppering Chandler with a few leg kicks before getting taken down, one of four from his opponent on the evening and one of two in the first round. While Chandler took hold of Pimblett’s arm, the latter’s defense held firm, working his way back to a knee and scoring some elbow shots.
Later on in round one, he absorbed some ground and pound shots forcing him to abandon efforts for a kimura submission. Once the fight returned to the feet, Paddy Pimblett returned to the kicking game. By the later stages of the opening frame, Pimblett converted on 16 significant strikes, compared to just two for Michael Chandler.
Paddy Pimblett Finds His Groove
As the fight progressed to the second round, Pimblett mixed up his offensive arsenal, landing some jabs and left-handed punches, knocking Michael Chandler off of his gameplan. Although he absorbed a low blow from Chandler about two minutes into the period, he continued undaunted, fighting off his opponent’s wrestling advances and landing crisp elbow shots.
An attempted arm-triangle choke went unrealized for Pimblett, but it proved immaterial in the long run, continuing to score with elbows and taking Chandler’s back once more. If this had been a stock car race, Paddy Pimblett would have been in cruise control at this point.
Pimblett Unleashes Vicious Ground Game in Round Three en Route to Victory
Although this fight was scheduled for five rounds at five minutes per round, the judges weren’t necessary on Saturday night. Right after the start of round three, he landed a knee shot, giving Michael Chandler a crimson mask.
While the latter countered with a Superman punch, it was clear that a seventh straight win in the UFC would be an eventuality for the former who dropped Chandler and landed elbows before going to mount. A barrage of ground and pound, including more elbow shots, served as the exclamation point on a successful story for Paddy Pimblett over the weekend.
This was an evening of dominance for him, something that has been the theme of all seven of his UFC appearances. Statistically speaking, during the third round of the fight, Pimblett converted on 30 significant strikes, compared to only one for Michael Chandler.
Paddy Pimblett Takes Home Award After UFC 314
At the UFC 314 post-fight press conference, UFC CEO Dana White named Pimblett one of two recipients of the $50,000 (USD) Performance of the Night Award. This was his second bonus in a row from White.
Fan favorites showed out
Two incredible finishes earned Paddy Pimblett & @JeanSilvaMMA96 each $50K tonight!
[ #UFC314 | B2YB: @PrimeHydrate ] pic.twitter.com/m2AtzOAo3p
— UFC (@ufc) April 13, 2025
Last July, in the aftermath of his victory over King Green (32-17-1, 1 NC MMA, 13-12-1, 1 NC UFC), he pocketed the bonus, as well. Paddy Pimblett’s already got some plans for the funds.
“It’s the babies’ birthday on Thursday, lads, know what I mean?”, Paddy Pimblett said after the fight. “A nice little bit of money to spend on the babies for their first birthday. I had to get a performance bonus, though, didn’t I?”
Final Thoughts
Paddy Pimblett has been one of the most entertaining fighters to watch in the UFC since he joined the roster in September of 2021. He’s fought seven times in the promotion, getting his hand raised in victory each time.
No matter who Pimblett fight happens to fight next, get your popcorn ready before he makes the walk to the famous Octagon on the night of the contest. You might not have the time to pop the corn after the cage door closes.
