Now that UFC 313: Pereira vs Ankalaev is in the books, the attention of the wider MMA world is turning towards the next PPV – this time, we’re off to ‘The Magic City’.
Not only are fans counting down to what should be a superb featherweight title fight but there’s just as much excitement for the lightweight scrap set for the co-main event of the UFC 314 evening.
That highly-anticipated 155lb showdown is essentially a pick-‘em – so if Paddy Pimblett does earn himself another viral victory on April 12, will he finally get the credit he deserves?
Paddy Pimblett doubts victory at UFC 314 will satisfy his haters
One month out from UFC 314, there’s just a 1% difference in Tapology Community Picks between the two lightweights, with Michael Chandler representing by far the toughest test of the former Cage Warriors champion’s career.
During a recent interview with SportsNet, the Scouse superstar was asked whether his first-round submission win over Bobby Green in his last fight had finally silenced the doubters.
“No, everyone underestimates me, lad,” laughed Pimblett, noting that “the goalposts get moved whenever I win.
“Like before the Bobby [Green] fight it was ‘Ah Bobby’s going to knock him out, he won’t be able to stand with him on the feet’.
“And when I beat him, it was like ‘Ah well Bobby’s 38 [years old], Bobby’s old, he’s finished, he only fights people who are old and finished’ – and it’s going to be the same when I beat Chandler.”
Pimblett has been perfect inside the UFC octagon since signing to the promotion in 2021, securing one KO/TKO, two decisions, and three submissions wins so far.
Yet even if he adds Michael Chandler’s scalp to his mantlepiece, Pimblett expects the broader fanbase to still find some way to downplay his victory out in Miami on April 12.
“I’m going to beat Chandler, and everyone’s going to say ‘Ah well he was 2-4 in the UFC, he hasn’t beaten anyone, he’s like 38’ – I’m used to it lad, it’s been happening since I was 16.
“I’ve been fighting since I was 16 and people just change the goalposts when I win, so I’m not a—-.”
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Paddy Pimblett’s training partner previews UFC 314 clash with Chandler
Bloody Elbow recently got the chance to speak with lightweight contender Jai ‘The Black Country Banger’ Herbert ahead of his return to action at UFC London on March 22.
As part of his camp, Herbert and a few members of his team travelled up to Liverpool to train at Next Generation MMA; and found himself rolling with ‘The Baddy’.
“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.”
When asked what he thinks about Pimblett vs Chandler, the fan-favorite lightweight noted that it’s a ‘crossroads’ type of fight for both athletes.
“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.”
UFC 314 goes down live from Miami, Florida, on Saturday, April 12.