Michael Chandler is widely regarded as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport but that often leaves him open for criticism.
On April 12 at UFC 314 in Miami, Michael Chandler will look to return to the win column when he takes on soaring British contender, Paddy Pimblett.
Although the matchup seemingly has big bearings on the lightweight division, the matchmaking has been criticized by not only the fans but by fighters too.
And with that, Pimblett believes he won’t be given any credit if he successfully beats the former UFC title challenger.
Tom Aspinall critical of Michael Chandler’s fight style
‘Iron’ Mike is one of the hardest hitters at 155lbs and despite ‘The Baddy’s’ striking defense, Pimblett is ‘100% sure’ his chin won’t be cracked.
Chandler’s recklessness abandonment of striking defense has resulted in him being widely regarded as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport but has also opened him up for constant criticism.
Ahead of UFC 314, UFC interim heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall has provided a scathing assessment of Chandler, claiming that he isn’t as good as he thought he was.
“I like the matchup. I was there for (Chandler’s fight against) Charles Oliveira and I got the pleasure of watching them both up close, watching on the TV and watching it when you’re ten feet away is two completely different things,” Aspinall began to explain in an interview on One on One.
“I watched Chandler and granted, Chandler had been out of the Octagon for a little while at the time so he might have been a bit rusty, and he was fighting Charles Oliveira who is one of the greats at the weight.
“But, I didn’t rate (Chandler) to be honest, I thought he looked off, he wasn’t great, he wasn’t as good as I thought he was watching him on the TV,” Aspinall continued.
Michael Chandler ‘more than likely’ set to miss the birth of his daughter
Although Chandler’s fight style can be criticized, his determination and dedication to the sport cannot be knocked.
So much so, that ahead of his UFC 314 fight, Chandler has revealed that he is ‘more than likely’ going to miss the birth of his daughter.
The 38-year-old and his wife are expecting the birth of their daughter on March 31, however, with that being so close to his April 12 meeting, his wife has given her ‘blessing’ for him to miss the birth.