In a thrilling co-main event at UFC 314 held on April 12, 2025, Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett showcased his striking prowess and grappling skills, defeating Michael "Iron" Chandler via TKO in the third round. The fight, which took place in Miami, marked a significant milestone in Pimblett's career as he continued his impressive winning streak.
Pimblett, who entered the octagon with a perfect record of 6-0 in the UFC, was riding high on the momentum from his previous victory over King Green at UFC 304, where he secured a first-round submission. In contrast, Chandler was looking to snap a two-fight losing streak, having previously fallen to top contenders Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier. With both fighters having something to prove, the anticipation for this bout was palpable.
The action kicked off as Chandler quickly took control of the center of the octagon, but it was Pimblett who landed the first significant strikes, delivering a series of low kicks that set the tone for the fight. Chandler responded with a takedown attempt, but Pimblett showed resilience, working his way back to his feet while exchanging blows with the former Bellator champion.
Round one saw both fighters trading shots, with Pimblett landing a notable uppercut that caught Chandler off guard. Chandler, known for his wrestling, managed to score a takedown, but Pimblett's agility allowed him to escape and continue pressing the action. The round ended with Pimblett delivering a strong finish, landing a series of punches that left the crowd buzzing.
As the second round commenced, Pimblett maintained his momentum, landing crisp jabs and low kicks that began to frustrate Chandler. Despite Chandler's attempts to close the distance, he struggled to find his rhythm against the relentless striking of Pimblett. A brief interruption occurred when Chandler inadvertently struck Pimblett in the groin, but the fighters quickly resumed action.
Chandler's determination was evident as he shot for another takedown, successfully slamming Pimblett to the mat. However, Pimblett's grappling skills shone through as he scrambled to gain the upper hand, eventually transitioning to a dominant position. The round concluded with Pimblett controlling the action on the ground, landing significant strikes and looking for a submission.
Entering the third round, the intensity escalated. Pimblett landed a massive knee strike that opened a cut on Chandler's forehead, causing blood to flow freely. Sensing the opportunity, Pimblett unleashed a flurry of strikes, culminating in a series of elbows and punches that overwhelmed Chandler. The referee stepped in to stop the fight, declaring Pimblett the winner by TKO.
This victory not only extends Pimblett's winning streak to eight fights, with six of those wins coming by way of stoppage, but it also solidifies his status as a rising star in the lightweight division. Post-fight, Pimblett expressed his gratitude to the fans and his team, stating, "I’m just getting started. I want to keep pushing forward and fight the best in the world."
Chandler, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle as he now finds himself at 2-5 in the UFC. After the fight, he acknowledged the challenges he’s faced, saying, "It’s been a tough road, but I’ll regroup and come back stronger. This isn’t the end for me."
As for the betting landscape, leading up to the fight, the public showed a strong preference for Pimblett, with 63 percent of the bets placed on him, while Chandler received only 37 percent. This trend reflected the growing support for Pimblett, who has quickly become a fan favorite.
With this victory, the question now looms: who will Pimblett face next? Many fans and analysts are eager to see him take on higher-ranked opponents, potentially setting up a clash with top contenders in the lightweight division. As the UFC continues to evolve, fighters like Pimblett are at the forefront, bringing excitement and unpredictability to the octagon.
UFC 314 showcased not only thrilling fights but also the resilience and determination of both fighters. With Pimblett's victory, the lightweight division remains as competitive as ever, and fans are left eagerly anticipating what comes next for this dynamic fighter.
