Pimblett sees Chandler fight as his biggest opportunity

Paddy Pimblett is gearing up for the biggest fight of his career as he takes on Michael Chandler in a five-round co-main event at UFC 314 on April 12, 2025. The rising star from Liverpool sees this as a golden opportunity to prove himself against an elite opponent. But for Pimblett, a victory over Chandler is just the beginning—his ultimate goal is a showdown with Conor McGregor.

McGregor fight on Pimblett’s radar

Paddy Pimblett has made it clear that he is aiming for a fight against Conor McGregor, should he defeat Michael Chandler at UFC 314. The Liverpool fighter knows that a win over a former Bellator champion like Chandler would elevate his status in the lightweight division and bring him closer to a blockbuster matchup with the UFC’s biggest star.

“Sounds very tasty,” Pimblett told Round Eight Boxing. “A lot of people have said this to me already: ‘Beat Chandler, take the McGregor fight.’ Obviously, he’s the biggest star in the sport. He’s the biggest star we’ve ever seen, biggest pay-per-view star. I’ll fight him in a main event, and we’ll get pay-per-view points.”

McGregor has been absent from the octagon since his leg injury in July 2021. While UFC President Dana White has hinted at McGregor’s return in late 2025, Pimblett is uncertain if the Irishman will ever fight again.

“You know what? I’ve said for years, ‘Yeah, I think he will (fight again),’ but the longer it goes, I’m starting to doubt it,” Pimblett admitted.

Chandler determined to shut down Pimblett’s ambitions

Michael Chandler was initially scheduled to fight McGregor, but after McGregor withdrew due to injury, Chandler turned his attention to Pimblett. Despite the shift in opponents, Chandler remains confident and has even engaged with fans by posting humorous videos mimicking Pimblett.

The American lightweight has built a reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC, delivering high-paced battles against top-tier competition such as Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, and Charles Oliveira. However, Chandler has lost four of his six UFC bouts, making his fight against Pimblett crucial for his career.

Pimblett acknowledges Chandler’s experience but believes he has the skills to finish the fight.

“I don’t see this going five rounds,” Pimblett said. “I think I’ll clip him with a counter and knock him out. If he grapples with me, I’ll catch him in a submission.”

Win could put Pimblett on track for a title shot

A win over Chandler would be a statement victory for Pimblett, who is currently undefeated in the UFC with a 6-0 record. Despite his popularity, some critics argue that he has yet to face a top-ranked opponent. Beating Chandler could silence doubters and push him closer to a title shot.

Conversely, Chandler is in dire need of a win. After losing to Oliveira, Gaethje, and Poirier, another defeat would significantly damage his chances of ever challenging for a UFC title.

“This fight is huge for me,” Pimblett said. “I want to prove people wrong and show that I belong at the top of the division.”

If Pimblett secures a dominant victory, a matchup against McGregor could become a reality. The fight would be one of the biggest in UFC history, especially if hosted at Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC—something Pimblett has dreamed of.

“A fight between me and McGregor at Anfield would be incredible,” Pimblett stated. “60,000 Scousers cheering me on—it would be an unforgettable night.”

UFC 314 promises an action-packed fight card

UFC 314 is shaping up to be a must-watch event. In addition to Pimblett vs. Chandler, the main event will feature a featherweight title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes.

Also on the card is the highly anticipated UFC debut of former Bellator champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, who will take on Yair Rodriguez in a potential title eliminator bout.

With so many high-profile fights, UFC 314 is expected to be one of the biggest pay-per-view events of the year. Pimblett vs. Chandler, in particular, could have major ramifications for the lightweight division, especially if Pimblett delivers on his promise of an early finish.

Fans around the world will be watching closely on April 12 to see if “The Baddy” can take the next step toward superstardom—and perhaps, a fight against Conor McGregor.

Source: MMAnytt.se

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