Paddy Pimblett progressed significantly in his pursuit of a UFC title by defeating Michael Chandler in Miami.
The fighter from Liverpool controlled the match against Chandler, maintaining high intensity and landing powerful strikes.
Pimblett ultimately secured a finish against Chandler in the third round at 3:07, preserving his undefeated UFC record.
From the start, Pimblett was more effective with his striking, while Chandler aimed to engage in grappling.
Pimblett continued to dominate, landing a knee in the third round that ultimately led to Chandler`s downfall.
“I proved my point,” Pimblett stated after the fight. “Everyone said I couldn`t compete with him standing. But who was attempting takedowns? It was him. He was trying to take me down because I was outstriking him.”
“I am the new generation. He represents the old guard. I`m the rising star, and I`m targeting the top five fighters now. I`m coming for that championship belt. You can laugh all you want. People have doubted me throughout my career, thinking I wouldn`t achieve anything, but I consistently prove them wrong.”
“Everyone underestimates me before each fight. I don`t get the respect I deserve. It`s quite frustrating.”
Pimblett believes that one more victory will position him for a shot at the UFC lightweight title.
“I want that world title,” he declared. “Some say I`ll never be champion, never climb the ranks, never break into the top 10. But what do they say now?”
Chandler, approaching his 39th birthday, might be considering retirement after this defeat to Pimblett.
In the main event of UFC 314, Alexander Volkanovski regained the featherweight championship by defeating Diego Lopes via unanimous decision.
The judges scored the fight 49-46 twice and 48-47 once.
Volkanovski had previously defended his title four times before losing to Israel Makhachev in 2023.
Who is Next for Pimblett?
Pimblett is interested in fighting Charles Oliveira to set up a future title opportunity.
“I hope so. I aspire to be a world champion,” Pimblett said.
“I`ve always maintained that I will become a world champion, and defeating a former champion like Charles Oliveira, who has two title defenses and is considered the best submission artist in UFC history, is something I`d love to do. I believe my submission skills are even better than Charles Oliveira`s.”
Marcus Bellamy