UFC sensation Paddy Pimblett is gearing up for the most challenging fight of his career in the octagon.
Fresh off a victory against King Green last summer, Pimblett aims to make another strong statement to boost his championship aspirations. He is set to face Michael Chandler, a former title contender, in Miami this Saturday.
`This is the biggest fight of my life, but I love fighting, I love entertaining the fans, and I`m confident of victory. All of these things are going to happen,` Pimblett told.
`Chandler is the opponent I`ve wanted throughout my career. He`s ranked seventh, and I`m twelfth. A win here will significantly improve my ranking, and people will start seeing me as a genuine title contender, not just a prospect.`
This fight marks Pimblett`s first five-round co-main event in his seventh UFC appearance. With potential title implications on the horizon, the pressure is on for Paddy to perform and potentially become only the third British UFC champion.
`I admit I haven`t faced anyone of Chandler`s level before. However, I believe he`s underestimating me. He might expect to face the same fighter who struggled against Jared Gordon, his teammate,` Pimblett commented.
`This fight will be very telling this Saturday.`
With an unblemished 6-0 record in the UFC, Pimblett is determined to extend his winning streak and is confident in his ability to do so. `The Baddy` is focused on the task ahead this weekend, recognizing its importance in his journey toward a title shot.
`I can`t afford to overlook my opponent. I`ve made that mistake before when I fought Jared Gordon, underestimating him and thinking victory was assured. I suffered a serious injury in the first round and had to push through for a very close decision,` he recounted.
`That experience taught me a valuable lesson: never assume victory before the fight begins. I need to be fully prepared and perform against Michael Chandler on Saturday night.`
Pimblett anticipates that even a dominant victory won`t silence his critics.
`It seems the expectations shift when it comes to me. Before the Tony Ferguson fight, critics predicted Ferguson would break his losing streak against me because I was overhyped. Then I won, and suddenly `Tony is past his prime,` Pimblett explained.
`[Against Green], I was supposed to get knocked out, but I finished him quickly in the first round.`
`Now, the narrative is the same for Chandler: I`ve never fought anyone like him. But once I beat him, the excuse will change to `He`s 38, with a mixed record in the UFC, and he`s washed up.`
He believes only becoming a UFC champion will finally silence the doubts.
`That`s the only time the criticism will stop,` he stated. `I`m used to it; it`s been a constant throughout my career.`
Chandler`s career has been in a holding pattern while waiting for a fight with Conor McGregor that ultimately fell through.
`I honestly feel for him. He waited a long time for the McGregor fight, which never happened. Then he had a tough fight with Charles Oliveira, and now he has to face me and lose. It was a poor career decision,` Pimblett remarked.
`He`ll come out aggressively in the first round, trying for a knockout, but I`ll maintain distance, using my punches and kicks. I predict either a knockout as he charges in, or the fight will go to the ground, and I`ll secure a submission.`
`I don`t see him lasting beyond the second round.`
Pimblett has a clear `roadmap` that he believes can lead him to a UFC title fight against current champion Islam Makhachev next year.
`This fight puts me one step closer. Beat Michael Chandler, then defeat either Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, or Justin Gaethje, and I`ll be next in line for the title. That`s the plan I`m working towards,` he declared.
Anfield Dream
As his championship aspirations become more tangible with each victory, Pimblett is also pursuing another dream. `I`ve always said my ultimate dream is to fight at Anfield [stadium, home of Liverpool Football Club]. I know the UFC tends to avoid stadiums, especially in the UK, due to weather concerns.`
`I`ve suggested to UFC staff that they attend a football match at Anfield to experience the atmosphere firsthand and see that it`s not a deterrent.`
`Anfield is the only place I dream of fighting.`
