British lightweight Paddy Pimblett is set for his biggest test to date when he takes on multi-time Bellator champ and UFC title challenger Michael Chandler at UFC 314.
Paddy “The Baddy” has long been on the rise, a hot hand in the 155lb division ever since his arrival in the company after a high-profile stint at home in Cage Warriors. Pimblett’s star power, frequently on display in that U.K. promotion, has translated well to the UFC, where Pimblett stole the show at the promotion’s London return in 2022 (the first card back after the pandemic), and in high-profile match-ups with Tony Ferguson and King Green.
At Friday’s UFC 314 press conference (the event itself arrives in April), there was mutual respect shown 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 stated, with Cageside Press on hand, when asked about his reason for taking the fight after focusing on some of lightweight’s living legends the past 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, a local stew popular with sailors), believes the fight could be the one that finally sees him graduate from prospect to contender in the eyes of fans. Of course, while Pimblett certainly hopes so, he also understands the fickle nature of the sport.
“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,” stated Pimblett, before adding “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.
