Paddy Pimblett doesn`t condemn Michael Chandler for pushing the boundaries to win, even if it means bending the rules.
Leading up to their highly anticipated five-round co-main event at UFC 314 in April, Pimblett addressed allegations against Chandler from previous opponents who claim he deliberately cheats during fights. Justin Gaethje has asserted that “almost everything” Chandler does that violates the rules warrants point deductions. Dustin Poirier has also frequently criticized the former Bellator champion for putting his fingers in Poirier`s mouth during their 2022 fight.
Pimblett, however, seems unconcerned about these accusations. He actually places the blame on the referee for not intervening and penalizing Chandler if he is indeed breaking the rules. He pointed to Chandler`s near comeback against Charles Oliveira last November as an example, where Chandler landed several punches to the back of Oliveira`s head, yet the referee took no action.
“If you`re not cheating, you`re not trying,” Pimblett commented on Chandler`s approach while speaking with UFC commentator Jon Anik. “It`s the ref`s job to manage that. If he`s throwing hammer fists to the back of Charles Oliveira’s head, Charles needs to move, or the ref needs to step in.”
“I watched that fight. He hit him to the back of the head with hammer fists about 12 times, and he knows exactly what he`s doing!” Pimblett added.
Pimblett also believes Oliveira shares some responsibility for not reacting or complaining to the referee about the illegal blows.
“If I were Charles in that situation, I`d be asking the ref, `What are you doing?`” Pimblett stated. “The refereeing was poor in that instance.”
Regarding Poirier`s experience, where Chandler allegedly put his fingers in Poirier`s mouth, Pimblett noted Poirier`s admission of biting down on Chandler`s fingers. Poirier believes his mouthguard prevented him from potentially biting off Chandler`s finger.
Pimblett warned that he would respond similarly if Chandler attempts the same tactic in their UFC 314 fight. “I saw the Poirier situation. Poirier said he tried to fish hook him to get the choke. I’ll do the same as Poirier if that happens. I’ll bite his fingers, try to bite them off.”
Despite the criticism Chandler receives for allegedly bending the rules, Pimblett isn`t particularly worried about it affecting their upcoming fight.
In fact, Pimblett seems to commend Chandler for doing everything he can to secure a win. “I always say, if you’re not cheating, you’re not trying,” Pimblett reiterated with a laugh.
Predicting the fight`s outcome, Pimblett anticipates a victory for himself, though he`s uncertain about the specifics. He expects Chandler to come out aggressively, seeking a knockout, which Pimblett believes will create openings for him to counter.
“He`ll come out trying to take my head off with big swings, like everyone else who`s tried to knock me out, and nobody has,” Pimblett stated confidently. “Michael Chandler won`t be the first.”
“Similar to my last fight, I plan to maintain my range, use kicks to frustrate him, and I believe I can land a knockout blow as he comes in. Whether it`s a punch, knee, kick, or elbow, as he steps forward and leans into a shot, I think I can knock him out. I also think I could TKO him with leg kicks. I don`t expect him to try and take me down, he knows I’ll submit him.”
