Rising UFC star Paddy Pimblett is preparing to face his toughest opponent yet in the octagon.
Following a victory over King Green last summer, Pimblett aims to make another strong statement to bolster his championship aspirations. He is set to fight former title challenger Michael Chandler in Miami this Saturday.
`This is the biggest fight of my career, but I love fighting and putting on a show for everyone. I`m confident I will win,` Pimblett told Sky Sports.
`Chandler is the opponent I`ve wanted to face throughout my career. He`s ranked seventh, and I`m twelfth. Beating him will elevate my ranking, and people will start seeing me as a true title contender, not just a prospect.`
This fight marks Pimblett`s first five-round co-main event in his seventh UFC appearance. With potential title implications on the horizon, the pressure is on for Pimblett to perform and become only the third British undisputed UFC champion.
`I won`t deny that Chandler is the highest-caliber opponent I`ve faced. However, I believe he`s underestimating me. He might think he`s facing the same fighter who struggled against Jared Gordon, simply because Gordon is his teammate,` Pimblett stated.
`But this fight will show a different outcome on Saturday.`
Despite a perfect 6-0 UFC record, Pimblett is determined to extend his winning streak and is confident in his victory. `The Baddy` is focused on the task at hand this weekend before considering a title shot.
`I can`t afford to overlook my current opponent. I admit I made that mistake before when I fought Jared Gordon. I underestimated him, thinking victory was assured. I suffered a serious injury in the first round and had to fight through it, ultimately winning a very close decision,` he explained.
`That fight taught me a valuable lesson: never assume victory before stepping into the octagon. I need to focus and perform against Michael Chandler on Saturday night.`
Pimblett acknowledges that even a dominant win might not silence his critics.
`The expectations shift when it comes to me. Before the Tony Ferguson fight, critics said Ferguson would break his losing streak and defeat me because I was overhyped. When I won, the narrative changed to `Tony is past his prime`,` Pimblett said.
`Green was supposed to knock me out, but I finished him in one round.`
`Now they`re saying the same about Chandler – that I`ve never fought anyone like him. But once I beat him, the excuse will be, `He`s 38, and has a negative UFC record“.
Pimblett believes only a UFC championship will finally silence the doubters.
`Becoming champion is the only way to shut down the criticism,` he stated. `I`m used to it; it`s been a constant throughout my career.`
Chandler has been inactive, waiting for a fight with Conor McGregor that never materialized.
`I feel for him, to be honest. He waited so long for the McGregor fight, which didn`t happen. He ended up fighting Charles Oliveira again and took a beating. Now he has to fight me and will get beat up again. It was a poor career decision,` Pimblett remarked.
`He`ll come out aggressively in the first round, trying for a knockout, but I`ll keep him at distance with my punches and kicks. I predict either a knockout as he comes forward or a submission if the fight goes to the ground.`
`I don`t see him lasting beyond the second round.`
Pimblett has a `roadmap` that could lead him to a UFC title fight against Islam Makhachev next year.
`This fight will put me one step closer. Beat Michael Chandler, then defeat either Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, or Justin Gaethje, and I`ll be next in line for the title. That`s my planned path,` he explained.
Anfield Dream
As his championship aspirations become more realistic with each victory, Pimblett has another dream: fighting at Anfield, Liverpool Football Club`s stadium. `I`ve always dreamed of fighting at Anfield. They are hesitant to host stadium events, especially in the UK due to weather concerns.`
`I`ve invited UFC staff to Anfield to experience a football game and see how the atmosphere remains incredible, despite being an open-air stadium.`
`I don`t envision fighting anywhere else but Anfield.`
Marcus Bellamy