Paddy Pimblett doesn’t make the same mistakes that Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Charles Oliveira did against “Iron” Michael Chandler.
Poirier, Gaethje, and Oliveira all won over Chandler, but they either kept their distance or faced early adversity against the former Bellator champion. For Oliveira, both. However, “The Baddy” argues that his game plan at UFC 314 in Miami does not consist of challenging Chandler’s strengths by standing and trading with him.
“He fought Poirier, Gasche and Charles (all top lightweight), but I think he’ll make it look easier than them,” Pinblett said in an interview with the Promotion. “They play Mike’s style by standing up and brawling with him. I’m sure I’ll win anywhere this fight.
“I think I’ll finish the microphone in two rounds. He charges with his punches. I’ll catch him and submit him.”
Paddy Pimblett appears to hold his undefeated record in the unharmed octagon at UFC 314
So far, Pinblet is the perfect 6-0 in the octagon, including a first-round submission victory over King Green on Manchester’s final outing at UFC 304. Before that, he defeated former interim lightweight title holder Tony Ferguson.
Meanwhile, Chandler tries to snap a skid who lost two games after being shortened against “Diamond” and “Do Bronx” in his last two promotional appearances. Overall, “Iron” has only been 2-4 since signing the promotion. His only victory is his only victory over Danhoeker and the aforementioned “Elk Cooey.”
Despite the struggle, Chandler still sticks to No. 7 in the lightweight rankings. However, a loss to Pinblet could drop him from the top 10 and put him in a precarious position in one of the UFC’s most talented divisions.