MMA news: ‘It’s just a different level’ - Michael Chandler previews fight against Paddy Pimblett

The UFC lightweight division is set for a high-stakes showdown as veteran Michael Chandler takes on rising star Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314.

With Chandler looking to reclaim his status as a top contender and Pimblett eager to prove he belongs among the elite, this fight carries major implications for both men.

In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher breaks down the matchup and Chandler’s thoughts on his opponent.

A defining fight in the lightweight division

Dana White recently flipped the MMA landscape on its axis earlier this week with a plethora of big announcements, from champions vacating their belts and moving divisions to highly anticipated matchups being announced for upcoming UFC events.

One of those big fights that White announced was the lightweight matchup between Chandler and Pimblett, set for UFC 314 in Miami on April 12.

Since making his UFC debut in 2021, Chandler has faced some of the biggest names in the 155-pound division, challenged for the lightweight title in just his second fight, and become a fan favourite thanks to his exciting style - earning five post-fight bonuses in his first six UFC bouts.

However, a long layoff sidelined him for all of 2023 and much of 2024, as his expected fight with Conor McGregor never materialized.

Chandler eventually returned to action in November, suffering a one-sided defeat to Charles Oliveira in their rematch - unlike their closely contested first fight in 2021.

Despite the exhilarating nature of his fights, Chandler has amassed a UFC record of 2-4.

Despite the competitive nature of previous bouts against the likes of Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, a loss is a loss and as a result, Chandler finds himself fighting a young up-and-coming prospect from lower down the rankings in Paddy Pimblett for the first time in his UFC career.

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‘I don’t think he’s there in a lot of ways.’

In a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Chandler gave his honest assessment of Pimblett as a fighter:

“I think he’s [Paddy Pimblett] got great belief in himself which is the most important thing in this sport.

“When it comes to physical attributes, power in his hands, the ability to finish a fight at all times, great in all positions? I don’t think he’s there in a lot of ways.

“I believe I’m going to put pressure on him. I believe he will know right away within the first exchange he’s not stepping into the Octagon with Bobby Green, Tony Ferguson [or] with some of these guys he has fought.

“It’s just a different level and I still believe where I’m at, it’s a bad matchup stylistically for him.

“That first time he gets hit by one of the toughest punchers in the UFC lightweight division, which he has not faced yet, it’s going to be a different feeling.

“It’s going to be a different speed and it’s going to be a different ferocity that he hasn’t felt before.

“I think Paddy’s still got a bright future, I think Paddy will always be a fan favourite.

“But I do believe he’s got some momentum right now and the Paddy train stops in Miami.”

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Now or never for Chandler’s title aspirations

Paddy Pimblett also made his UFC debut in 2021 and has since gone 6-0, securing wins over notable names like King (formerly Bobby) Green, Tony Ferguson, and, of course, his controversial decision victory against Jared Gordon.

His recent success has propelled him to No. 12 in the lightweight rankings.

Initially facing heavy criticism early in his UFC career, Pimblett has shown clear development - particularly in his last two performances against Green and Ferguson.

However, the Scouser has yet to prove himself against elite competition.

Chandler acknowledges that facing an unproven opponent like Pimblett could present a unique challenge compared to the seasoned veterans he’s previously fought.

“I think it’s in some senses harder to fight a guy who’s less dangerous, who’s a little bit more susceptible than there is to go and fight the likes of Poirier, Gaethje and Oliveira and those guys.

“The preparation is the exact same, it doesn’t matter who the opponent is, I’m really fighting against myself.

“It has nothing to do with Paddy Pimblett, it doesn’t have anything to do with the last 30 guys that I’ve fought, it’s always against yourself and I’m going to prepare perfectly.

“I’m going to show up on April 12 and shock the world,” Chandler said.

At 38 years old and without a win since 2022, Chandler is in a must-win situation at UFC 314 if he hopes to climb back into title contention.

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