The Octagon returns to Miami next month where two of the biggest personalities in the lightweight division will collide in the co-main event.
From the moment that Dana White made the announcement, Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 has been one of the most talked about fights in MMA.
Chandler is confident that this fight will see him bounce back into the win column following a tough night at the office last time out at UFC 309.
Following his six-fight win streak inside the Octagon, Pimblett believes that Chandler is his key to the biggest and best fights that are out there.
‘Iron Mike’ may have only lost to the very best during his UFC tenure but this matchup sees him face a rising contender who is in search of the biggest win of his career to date.
Jai Herbert says Paddy Pimblett vs Michael Chandler is a crossroads fight
Jai Herbert is set to return to the Octagon for his ninth fight in the UFC when he faces Chris Padilla at the O2 Arena in London on March 22.
Before ‘The Black Country Banger’ looks to earn back-to-back wins, two of the UK’s most significant gyms joined forces when Herbert and several others from Team Renegade in Birmingham travelled to Liverpool to train at Next Generation MMA.
“2-3 Weeks we went up there on the sparring days and had some good rounds man because they’ve got some other good lightweights up there, obviously Paddy and a few other good guys up there so it was just good to mix it up and get some good work in so yeah, good sessions,” Herbert told Bloody Elbow in an exclusive interview.
After spending some time on the mats with his fellow former Cage Warriors champion, Herbert gave his thoughts on Paddy Pimblett’s upcoming fight.
Whilst Michael Chandler has stated that a loss won’t change his plans for continuing to fight, he did acknowledge the significance of this matchup.
Herbert referred to it as a “crossroads” fight with the rising 30-year-old looking to take the spot of a 38-year-old veteran who previously fought for the lightweight title.
“I feel like it’s a good fight, it’s a crossroads fight. You’ve got Paddy, he’s just got into the top 15, young lad, he’s up against Chandler. He’s very experienced and it’s a crossroads fight so it’s gonna be a good, entertaining fight. Looking forward to watching that.”
Jai Herbert has faced some lightweight killers in his time
Despite having three wins to his name inside the Octagon, Jai Herbert has struggled to maintain momentum during his time in the UFC.
A win over Padilla on March 22 will earn him back-to-back wins for the first time since arrived at the highest level back in 2020.
Having fought Francisco Trinaldo and Renato Moicano in his first two outings, the 36-year-old has also been matched with the likes of L’udovit Klein and Fares Ziam along with being the only lightweight in the UFC to have faced Ilia Topuria at 155-pounds.