Paddy Pimblett, UFC 314 press convention Credit score: Gabriel Gonzalez/Cageside Press
British light-weight Paddy Pimblett is about for his greatest check so far when he takes on multi-time Bellator champ and UFC title challenger Michael Chandler at UFC 314.
Paddy “The Baddy” has lengthy been on the rise, a sizzling hand within the 155lb division ever since his arrival within the firm after a high-profile stint at dwelling in Cage Warriors. Pimblett’s star energy, regularly on show in that U.Okay. promotion, has translated properly to the UFC, the place Pimblett stole the present on the promotion’s London return in 2022 (the primary card again after the pandemic), and in high-profile match-ups with Tony Ferguson and King Inexperienced.
At Friday’s UFC 314 press convention (the occasion itself arrives in April), there was mutual respect proven between the veteran and Pimblett.
“The resume speaks for itself. I’ve done nothing but doing hand-to-hand combat for 24 years. I love what I do, and I love doing the UFC,” Chandler said, with Cageside Press readily available, when requested about his motive for taking the battle after specializing in a few of light-weight’s residing legends the previous few years. “And if you don’t love the brand of Paddy Pimblett – it’s fun, it’s exciting. He’s a guy who brings it.”
“Scoursers don’t get knocked out,” added Chandler. “We’ll put his name to the test. UFC 314. Let’s go baby.”
Pimblett, who hails from Liverpool (“scouser” comes from Lobscouse, an area stew fashionable with sailors), believes the battle could possibly be the one which lastly sees him graduate from prospect to contender within the eyes of followers. In fact, whereas Pimblett definitely hopes so, he additionally understands the fickle nature of the game.
“Yeah. Every fight I’m underestimated and overlooked. But I’m getting in there now with someone who’s top 10, someone who’s fought all the legends in the division. He’s fought for the title. So finally, I’m going to get in there and when I win, people can’t chat sh*t,” said Pimblett, earlier than including “but they will.”
“The goal posts always get moved when I win, people will start saying stuff. But I’m going to be ranked #7 once this fight’s over, and I will be in title contention.”
Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett collide at UFC 314 on April 10, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
