In the UFC 314 co-main event, Paddy Pimblett made a significant statement by overpowering Michael Chandler and achieving a third-round TKO, marking the most important win of his career to date.
Apart from a couple of takedowns from Chandler, the fight was largely dominated by Pimblett. He impressed with his striking skills and completely took control once the fight went to the ground. After reversing Chandler`s position and gaining top control, Pimblett initially sought a submission but then relentlessly attacked the former title challenger with punches and elbows.
Pimblett advanced to mount position and unleashed a barrage of strikes, leaving Chandler with no option but to cover up. The referee determined that Chandler had absorbed enough punishment and stopped the fight at 3:07 of the third round. Immediately after the fight, Chandler arose with a visibly bloodied face before exiting the octagon, while Pimblett celebrated his victory, maintaining his undefeated record in the UFC and taking a major step forward in the lightweight division.
“That’s how we secure wins,” Pimblett stated in his post-fight interview. “We strategize, utilize our fight IQ, and dominate our opponents. Does anyone have any more questions?”
Already recognized as a prominent personality on the UFC roster, Pimblett is now aiming for a fight that will put him in contention for a title shot, targeting some of the lightweight division`s top competitors.
“I want anyone in the top four or five. My goal is the world title,” Pimblett declared. “I want to fight Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, or Arman Tsarukyan. I respect Dustin, Justin, and Charles – Charles is the biggest legend among them and is considered the best submission artist in UFC history, but I challenge that. I am here. So, it should be me against Charles. Forget about Arman.”
Pimblett was in control for most of the fight, although early leg kicks from him led to a takedown by Chandler, who attempted to control Pimblett against the cage. However, Chandler was unable to generate much offense from that position.
It wasn`t until Pimblett held onto a kimura submission attempt for too long that Chandler responded with powerful punches, leading both fighters back to their feet.
From that point, Pimblett demonstrated effective striking from a distance, using single or double punches while Chandler moved around the perimeter. Pimblett then launched a dynamic jumping attack that excited the crowd, but Chandler responded with a smile just before the end of the first round.
At the start of the second round, Pimblett took the center of the octagon and continued to pressure Chandler, landing more impactful leg kicks and a precise straight punch that consistently found its mark on Chandler`s chin. This led to another takedown attempt from Chandler, but he became overly aggressive, allowing Pimblett to shrug him off and gain top position.
Pimblett quickly transitioned to side control and then to mount, beginning to strike Chandler with punches and elbows. Moments later, Pimblett transitioned to back control, securing a body triangle and continuing to strike until the round concluded.
At the start of the third round, Pimblett unleashed a stunning jumping knee that landed on Chandler’s cheek, causing a significant cut. Pimblett followed up with a strong takedown, taking Chandler`s back against the cage and landing strikes, potentially setting up submission attempts.
Pimblett continued his assault, eventually moving to mount and unleashing a series of punches and elbows that forced Chandler to turn away to avoid the strikes. This was enough for the referee to step in and stop the fight, preventing further harm to Chandler.
It is highly likely that this victory will earn Pimblett a fight against one of the opponents he mentioned, especially as the UFC looks to establish new contenders in the near future. As for Chandler, this loss marks his third consecutive defeat and brings his UFC record to a disappointing 2-5, leaving his future direction uncertain.
