Paddy Pimblett passed the latest test in his budding career Saturday when he defeated former Bellator champion Michael Chandler in the UFC 314 co-main event. Pimblett (23-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC) broke into the top 10 of the lightweight rankings courtesy of a third-round TKO victory over Chandler (23-10 MMA, 2-5 UFC) at Kaseya Center in Miami, and now he has some massive fights on the horizon.
Pimblett notched his ninth straight win at UFC 314, and it wasn't pretty for Chandler. The UFC's No. 12-ranked lightweight bodied, bloodied, and battered his opponent in Miami on Saturday, ending the fight with a third-round stoppage for the most impressive win of his MMA career. The first round was somewhat even, with Pimblett landing hard leg kicks and Chandler taking control for a while after a nice takedown on a counter, but it was pure abuse by Pimblett after the first five minutes. Pimblett was in control standing up and on the ground throughout the second round, which former UFC champ Henry Cejudo called the best of his career.
The third round was even better for Pimblett and worse for Chandler. He split Chandler's face open with a knee early in the frame and chased him around the Octagon until the fight's merciful ending. "This is how we win," Pimblett said after the fight. "We game plan, we use our fight IQ and we beat motherf***ers up. Anyone else got any questions?" The win vaults Pimblett further up in the UFC lightweight pecking order, and he knows it judging from his callouts after the fight.
Pimblett specifically named Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and "that little posh boy" Arman Tsarukyan before settling on Oliveira as his preferred opponent. "I want that world title," he said. "Laugh all youse want and say I'll never be champ, just like you said I'll never get ranked, I'll never be on the top 10, but what now, you gang of mushrooms?"
As for Chandler, there's not much left to say for him. The former Bellator champion entered the UFC with enough hype that he got a title shot in his second bout with the promotion, but his UFC record now sits at 2-5, with his only wins over Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson. His losses have been entertaining and against the top fighters in a competitive lightweight division, and he lost too much time waiting for Conor McGregor to get his act together, but at some point, you have to wonder when the significant wins are actually going to come for a supposed contender.
The fight at UFC 314 was a pivotal moment for both fighters. Pimblett's victory not only solidifies his place among the elite in the lightweight division but also adds to the narrative of his rise in the sport. Fans have been eagerly watching his journey, and this win against a seasoned veteran like Chandler only adds to the excitement surrounding his future.
Chandler, on the other hand, is left to ponder his next steps. Despite being a three-time Bellator lightweight champion, his stint in the UFC has been rocky. The MMA community has been vocal about his struggles, with many analysts questioning his ability to compete at the highest level. "Not a good night for Bellator," tweeted Belal Muhammad, reflecting the sentiment that Chandler's performance did not live up to expectations.
Pimblett's performance was a masterclass in striking and grappling, showcasing the skills that have made him a fan favorite. His ability to adapt and overcome challenges in the octagon was evident as he systematically dismantled Chandler. The fight was a testament to Pimblett's hard work and dedication, and it seems that he is just getting started.
As the dust settles on UFC 314, the implications of this fight will be felt across the lightweight division. With Pimblett now firmly in the top 10, the calls for a title shot are likely to grow louder. Fans are already speculating about potential matchups, with many eager to see how he fares against the top contenders in the sport.
For Chandler, the road ahead is uncertain. His losses have come against some of the best fighters in the division, but the UFC is a ruthless environment where results matter most. The question now is whether he can regroup and find a way back to the top or if his time as a contender has come to an end.
The reactions from the fight have been explosive, with fans and analysts alike taking to social media to express their thoughts. "That's the best Paddy Pimblett has looked in his UFC career," tweeted ESK, highlighting the impressive nature of Pimblett's victory. Others echoed similar sentiments, with many surprised by the dominance Pimblett displayed throughout the fight.
As the lightweight division continues to evolve, fighters like Pimblett are making their mark, while veterans like Chandler must adapt or risk being left behind. The landscape of the UFC is always changing, and with exciting matchups on the horizon, fans can expect more thrilling action in the coming months.
In conclusion, UFC 314 was a significant event that showcased the potential of Paddy Pimblett as he continues to climb the ranks. His victory over Michael Chandler not only solidifies his status but also sets the stage for potential blockbuster matchups in the future. The lightweight division is heating up, and all eyes will be on Pimblett as he seeks to make his mark in the UFC.
