Paddy Pimblett took a significant stride in his quest for a UFC title by defeating Michael Chandler in Miami.
The fighter from Liverpool asserted his dominance over Chandler, setting a high-energy pace and landing powerful strikes.
Ultimately, Pimblett secured a finish against Chandler, ending the fight at 3:07 of the third round and maintaining his undefeated UFC record.
Pimblett was more effective from the start, utilizing his striking skills while Chandler aimed to engage in grappling.
He continued to maintain control, landing a knee strike in the third round that ultimately led to Chandler`s downfall.
“I proved my point. I told everyone I was going to do exactly what I did, and what happened? Everyone doubted my stand-up game against him. But who was the one shooting for takedowns? It was him. He was trying to take me down because I was outclassing him on our feet,” Pimblett stated after the fight.
“I`m the new generation. He represents the old guard. I`m the fresh face in this division. I`m coming for those top five contenders now. I`m aiming for that championship belt. You can all laugh at me if you want. People have been laughing at me throughout my journey, thinking I wouldn`t achieve anything, but I consistently prove you wrong at every step.”
“Everyone underestimates me before every fight. No one gives me the credit I deserve. It`s quite frustrating.”
Pimblett believes that securing one more victory will position him for a shot at the UFC lightweight title.
“I want that world title,” he declared. “Some say I`ll never be champion, never get a winning streak, never break into the top 10. But what do they say now?”
Chandler will soon turn 39, and this defeat by Pimblett could potentially lead him towards retirement.
In the main event of UFC 314, Alexander Volkanovski regained the featherweight championship by defeating Diego Lopes via unanimous decision.
Two judges scored the fight 49-46, while the third scored it 48-47.
Volkanovski had previously defended his title four times before losing to Israel Makhachev in 2023.
Who`s Next for Pimblett?
Pimblett is aiming for a fight against Charles Oliveira as a stepping stone towards a world title opportunity.
“I hope so. My ambition is to become a world champion,” Pimblett stated.
“I`ve always maintained that I will become a world champion, and defeating a former champion like Charles Oliveira, who has two title defenses and is considered the best submission artist in UFC history, is a challenge I would relish. I believe my submission skills are even better than Charles Oliveira`s.”
