Paddy Pimblett is ready for Michael Chandler to swing.
In one of the most interesting matchups at UFC 314 this Saturday night, “The Baddy” tries to continue to move up the lightweight ranks when he meets former Bellator champion Chandler in the evening’s co-main event.
Chandler takes part in the battle with a 2-4 inactive record within the Octagon, but it doesn’t tell the entire story. Despite the lack of success in recent years, “Iron” has become a fan favorite of wall-to-wall style combat, which offered instant classics such as Justin Gesche, Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poilier.
Pinblet is well aware of Chandler’s preference for a fast start that doesn’t give up until the final bell.
“When it comes to fighting Michael Chandler, even in the fifth round, I know he’s trying to push the pace,” Pinblett said in the third episode of UFC 314 Embedded. “He takes my head off and comes out, so I need to be ready. I’m ready.”
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While Chandler is about to snap a skid that lost two games, Pinblet plans to extend his unbeaten streak within the Octagon to seven.
Not only that, but “The Baddy” victory could put him in the lightweight top 10 and bring him one big win from a shot at the top prize in the category.
“I think once Michael Chandler is finished, I think we need another fight,” Pinblett told UFC OP Eurosport. “I think of them like (I) Ahman (Tsarkian), Charles (Oliveira), (Justin) Gaetzje.