Rumored fight talks between UFC stars Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett have seemingly hit a dead end.
A potential lightweight matchup between Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett remains in a holding pattern in recent weeks following the two UFC stars’ teases about a looming announcement. After Pimblett dropped a Chandler-focused easter egg in a YouTube video last month, the two lightweights have since been linked to different adversaries for their upcoming Octagon returns.
A fan-friendly clash between Chandler and Pimblett excited fans after the initial teases. Both fighters share spots in the lightweight Top 15 and often treat their followings to wild battles inside the Octagon.
While announcements surrounding Chandler and Pimblett’s next fights are inevitable, the uncertainty regarding their next opponents continues to confuse fans and pundits. But in the meantime, Chandler shared his perspective on what a clash with Pimblett might look like from a stylistic angle.
Michael Chandler continues praise of ‘good one’ Paddy Pimblett amidst fight rumors
During a recent interview with MMA Junkie Radio, Chandler revealed why a possible fight with Pimblett entices him.
“Comparatively, the guys who I’ve thought, the murderers’ row I’ve fought since coming into the UFC, I welcome that fight,” Chandler said of Pimblett. “I’m a fan of Paddy, I like the way he does things, his brand. He’s one of the good ones in the sport. I don’t need to hate somebody to want to separate them from consciousness, because that is my goal if I was to fight him.
“Even if I’d also pick him up off the canvas and say ‘Dust yourself off, you still have a bright future’…I still believe I’m destined for UFC gold, I just need to put a couple of wins together.”
This isn’t the first time Chandler has acknowledged the significance of a fight with Pimblett. Chandler labeled Pimblett as a ‘fun day at the office’ in comparing the UK star to some of his past rivals.
But after dropping the Chandler easter egg, Pimblett shared he’s in talks to face Benoit Saint-Denis for his UFC comeback. As of this writing, nothing has been formally confirmed nor announced regarding Chandler and Pimblett’s next fights.
Michael Chandler touted Paddy Pimblett’s potential shortly after his UFC debut
Chandler responded to Pimblett’s easter egg by expressing calculation and concrete planning for his next UFC test. The former UFC title challenger hasn’t competed in the Octagon since a UFC 309 defeat to Charles Oliveira.
Chandler touted Pimblett as a Top 10 contender shortly after the Liverpool native’s promotional debut. The UK star most recently defeated King Green at UFC 304 last July to remain unbeaten during his promotional tenure.
After waiting multiple years for Conor McGregor, Chandler is targeting other big names for his title pursuits. Despite an up-and-down UFC stint, Chandler remains one of the biggest fan favorites in the lightweight division and could get a quick title shot push with a few victories.
While Pimblett vs. Chandler isn’t a sure thing as of this writing, both sides remain immensely interested in making the fight come to fruition. Time will tell if the two fan favorites will come face-to-face in the cage.