Paddy Pimblett secured his biggest win yet after dominating Michael Chandler at UFC 314 (Image: Zuffa LLC)
Paddy Pimblett has made a significant impact on the international stage following a career-defining triumph over Michael Chandler at UFC 314. Since his induction into the UFC in 2021, ‘The Baddy’ has faced numerous hurdles. He’s frequently mentioned that the ‘goalposts move’ after each victory, but he has now firmly positioned himself as a formidable contender in the intensely competitive 155lb division.
After securing consecutive ‘Performance of the Night’ bonuses for his initial three UFC victories against Luigi Vendramini, Rodrigo Vargas and Jordan Leavitt, it was time for the Liverpudlian to graduate from regular Fight Night events to top-tier pay-per-view cards.
However, his 2022 victory over Jared Gordon sparked widespread disapproval, with many suggesting that the American had done enough to win on points. Despite the criticism, ‘The Baddy’ shrugged off the negativity and delivered a dominant performance in his subsequent fight against seasoned professional Tony Ferguson before submitting King Green on home soil last year.
Yet, critics argued his last two victories were against fighters past their peak. In Chandler, the former Bellator champion posed a significant threat to Pimblett’s impeccable UFC record. But in typical Pimblett fashion, the rising star shone brightest under the spotlight.
The Liverpudlian dominated the showdown from start to finish and now finds himself one step closer to a shot at the title (Image: Zuffa LLC)
The Liverpudlian quickly took control of the cage, delivering a series of low kicks before switching up inside. Despite his aggressive start, Chandler managed to ground the fight with a well-timed body lock, although he failed to land any significant blows.
Surprisingly, it was the energetic Scouser who managed to throw some elbows from his back. Pimblett’s submission attempt didn’t succeed, but it was clear that he was keen to put on a show in ‘The Magic City’.
Chandler landed a clean cross followed by a left hook, but ‘The Baddy’ took it well, arguably winning the first round.
As he rose for the second round, it was evident that ‘Iron’ had given his all and was beginning to fatigue. Pimblett seemed to thrive off this energy as he came out swinging as soon as the second bell rang.
The 30-year-old Scouse fighter quickly returned to his leg kicks, but the fight was briefly paused due to a brutal low blow from Chandler – not a good look after much debate about his ‘dirty’ tactics before the fight.
Despite the discomfort, Pimblett shrugged it off and jumped back into the action, landing a few neat uppercuts. Many had Pimblett pegged as the one likely to take the fight to the ground, yet it was Chandler who managed to swiftly take his rival down several times.
Nonetheless, Liverpool’s own fought back valiantly, attempting a crafty arm-triangle, moving into mount, and delivering some heavy blows.
Chandler was close to defeat at the sound of the buzzer, but his relief was short-lived as the decisive rounds loomed. Pimblett wasn’t ready to let this opportunity slip; he delivered a crushing knee that stunned Chandler, quickly following up with a relentless assault of strikes.
‘The Baddy’ smoothly transitioned into a single-leg takedown, bringing the action down to the mat. Under Pimblett’s control, Chandler’s face was battered and bloodied, visibly worsening with every tick of the clock.
Pimblett aimed for a rear naked choke but resorted to a barrage of hammer fists and punches until the referee intervened to halt the fight.
Maintaining his unblemished UFC streak, Pimblett erupted in victory, soaking in the adulation from the Miami crowd, thoroughly impressed by the British fighter’s skill in what was essentially enemy territory. An ecstatic Pimblett told Joe Rogan: “Lad, literally everything I have worked with my team, all the fight run-throughs we’ve done, has just happened here,” then moved on to issue several challenges.
“This is how we win: we gameplan, we use our fight IQ, and we beat motherf*****s up. [I want] anyone in the top four, top five. I want that world title. Laugh all you want. What now? You gang of mushrooms. I want Dustin [Poirier], Justin [Gaethje], Charles [Oliveira] or the little posh boy Arman [Tsarukyan] – any of them four. I respect Dustin, Justin and Charles. Charles is the biggest legend out of them all, and he gets called the best submitting artist the UFC’s ever seen. Well, I dispute that, I’m here.”
Also on the card was the contest between Yair Rodriguez and Patricio Pitbull. Yair Rodriguez used his skills to outmaneuver the newcomer, winning the fight via points. ‘El Pantera’ dominated the fight but was unable to find a finish.
The main card also saw an exciting fight between Jean Silva and Bryce Mitchell, as Jean Silva’s skill on the ground led to him choking out his opponent. The crowd was also treated to a thrilling encounter between Dominick Reyes and Nikita Krylov.
Dominick Reyes’ stunning knockout in round one left the crowd in awe.
UFC 314 results in full
Alexander Volkanovski beat Diego Lopes – Decision
Paddy Pimblett beat Michael Chandler – KO/TKO R3 03:07
Yaor Rodriguez beat Patricio Pitbull – Decision
Jean Silva beat Bryce Mitchell – Submission R2 03:52
Dominick Reyes beat Nikita Krylov – KO/TKO R1 02:24