Michael Chandler appeared to respond to Paddy Pimblett’s recent video teasing a potential booking between the two UFC stars.
Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett are two of the biggest names on the UFC roster. After Pimblett dropped an Easter Egg hinting at a fight with Chandler happening soon, it didn’t take long for the latter to respond on social media.
Chandler is fresh off a ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. Despite the unanimous decision loss to Oliveira, Chandler arguably didn’t lose much stock in the lightweight title picture and has a few big names on his radar.
One of which is Pimblett, who is targeting a potential return to the Octagon on the UFC’s scheduled return to London on March 22nd. As of this writing, the promotion hasn’t announced bookings for Pimblett and Chandler’s next fights.
In reaction to Pimblett’s recent teases, Chandler made a cryptic post amidst all of the speculation regarding his return.
Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett rumored for upcoming bout
In a recent Instagram post, Chandler made his first public remarks since the Pimblett fight rumors began to circulate.
“The new year is fast approaching,” Chandler posted. “Calculating the next moves and reaching for growth. Walk On. See you at the top!”
UFC CEO Dana White and the matchmakers haven’t addressed all of the Chandler/Pimblett rumors, although we should get some clarity in the coming weeks. The UFC’s event slate resumes on January 11th.
Pimblett last fought in the Octagon at UFC 304, finishing King Green by first-round submission. He’s unbeaten in his UFC tenure and has won eight consecutive fights overall.
Chandler was supposed to headline UFC 303 for his long-awaited showdown with Conor McGregor before McGregor withdrew due to injury. The McGregor fight remains on Chandler’s radar despite the increasing uncertainty regarding the former UFC champ’s comeback.
Michael Chandler fuels Paddy Pimblett fight speculation
Chandler is searching for his first UFC victory since finishing Tony Ferguson at UFC 274. Despite a 2-4 promotional record after signing in 2020, Chandler is one of the biggest draws in the UFC.
Pimblett has defeated the likes of Jared Gordon, Jordan Leavitt, and Ferguson during his UFC tenure. The former Cage Warriors featherweight champion rose into the lightweight Top 15 with the victory over Green.
If the fight comes to fruition, the Chandler vs. Pimblett winner would move one step closer to the lightweight title mix. We could be weeks away from getting more clarity on the oncoming matchup rumors surrounding Chandler, Pimblett, and other top names.