Paddy Pimblett delivered a powerful performance at UFC 314, overwhelming Michael Chandler and securing a third-round TKO, marking the most significant victory of his career.
Despite a couple of early takedowns from Chandler, the fight was largely controlled by Pimblett. He impressed with his striking and completely took command once the fight went to the ground. After reversing Chandler`s position, Pimblett initially attempted a submission, but then unleashed a barrage of punches and elbows on the former title contender.
Pimblett gained mount position and continued to rain down strikes, leaving Chandler defenseless and prompting the referee to stop the fight at 3:07 of the third round. Post-fight, Chandler displayed a bloodied face as he left the octagon, while Pimblett celebrated his undefeated UFC record and a major step forward in the lightweight division.
“That’s how we achieve victory,” Pimblett declared after the fight. “We strategize, utilize our fight IQ, and defeat our opponents. Any more questions?”
Already a prominent figure in the UFC, Pimblett is now aiming for fights that will put him in title contention, targeting top-ranked lightweights.
“I want anyone in the top five, top four. I’m after that world title,” Pimblett stated. “I want Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, or Arman Tsarukyan. I respect Dustin, Justin, Charles – Charles is the biggest legend of them, considered the UFC`s best submission expert, but I challenge that. I`m here. So, it`s me versus Charles, forget Arman.”
Pimblett largely dictated the fight`s tempo from the outset, although Chandler managed an early takedown following leg kicks, seeking to control Pimblett against the cage. However, Chandler struggled to generate significant offense from this position.
Chandler briefly gained momentum when Pimblett held a kimura attempt too long, allowing Chandler to land heavy punches as they returned to their feet.
From then on, Pimblett showcased effective striking at range, using single or double punches while Chandler circled. Pimblett then launched a dynamic jumping attack, exciting the crowd, but Chandler responded with a smile just before the first round concluded.
In the second round, Pimblett controlled the center, pressuring Chandler and landing more leg kicks and accurate straight punches to the chin. This led to another Chandler takedown, but Pimblett quickly reversed, ending up in a dominant top position.
Pimblett transitioned to side control and then mount, bombarding Chandler with strikes. Moments later, Pimblett secured a body triangle from back mount, continuing his attack until the round ended.
At the start of the third, Pimblett landed a spectacular jumping knee that connected with Chandler`s cheek, causing a significant cut. Pimblett followed up with a takedown and took Chandler`s back against the cage, delivering strikes and threatening submissions.
Pimblett maintained his dominance, achieving mount and unleashing a relentless barrage of punches and elbows, forcing Chandler to turn away. This prompted the referee to intervene, preventing further damage to Chandler.
This victory significantly boosts Pimblett`s chances of facing the top-ranked opponents he mentioned, potentially positioning him as a future title contender. For Chandler, this marks his third consecutive loss and drops his UFC record to 2-5, leaving his future direction uncertain.
