Pimblett Slams Chandler Fight
Paddy Pimblett is never one to mince words, and he certainly didn’t hold back when discussing his upcoming fight against Michael Chandler. Ahead of their highly anticipated clash at UFC 314, Pimblett made it clear that he has strong opinions about Chandler’s fighting styleand they aren’t exactly flattering.
Pimblett Calls Out Chandler’s “Dirty” Tactics
Speaking bluntly about his opponent, Pimblett accused Chandler of fighting dirty, something the UFC fan favorite claims he’s prepared to handle. The Liverpudlian made it known that he doesn’t respect Chandler’s in-cage behavior, suggesting that Chandler has a tendency to employ questionable tactics to gain an edge.
“Chandler’s always been one of those fighters who bends the rules when the referee isn’t looking. I’ve watched enough of his fights to know that,” Pimblett stated.
Given Chandler’s reputation for an aggressive, high-paced fighting style, it’s not the first time an opponent has raised concerns about his approach inside the Octagon. Still, throwing out accusations of dirty fighting ahead of a big bout is undoubtedly a surefire way to fan the flames of rivalry.
The War of Words Heats Up
Part of Pimblett’s frustration with Chandler may stem from the way the fight was booked. The outspoken Brit has positioned himself as a rising star in the UFC’s lightweight division, while Chandlerdespite being a former title contenderhas suffered setbacks in recent years.
Nevertheless, Chandler remains a dangerous opponent, and Pimblett recognizes the challenge ahead. But that hasn’t stopped “The Baddy” from continuing his verbal assault.
“He can try all the little tricks he wants, but I won’t be falling for them,” Pimblett added. “If he wants to make this a dirty fight, then I hope he knows I’m ready for a war.”
Chandler has yet to formally respond to the accusations, but knowing his competitive nature, it’s unlikely he’ll stay quiet for long. With just weeks left before fight night, expect the back-and-forth between these two to ramp up.
Mind Games or Genuine Concern?
Trash talk is nothing new for Paddy Pimblett. Since bursting onto the UFC scene, he has embraced the role of an outspoken entertainer just as much as a fighter. But is this latest jab at Chandler just mind games, or does he actually believe he’s stepping into the cage with a fighter who’s willing to push the limits?
Some fans chalk it up to pre-fight tactics, noting that mind games are all part of Pimblett’s arsenal. Others contend that he has a legitimate grievance, pointing to Chandler’s past fights where certain incidents raised eyebrowsbut whether there’s real cause for concern or merely pre-fight hype, one thing is certain: the drama surrounding this bout just reached another level.
Final Thoughts
Paddy Pimblett vs. Michael Chandler was always going to be a must-watch fight, but with these latest accusations, the narrative has become even more intriguing. Fans now have another layer of drama to dissect ahead of UFC 314, adding fuel to an already simmering rivalry.
Will Pimblett shut down Chandler’s alleged dirty tactics, or will Chandler prove that talk is cheap inside the Octagon? The only thing we know for sure is that when the cage door closes, both fighters will have a lot to prove.
Stay tuned for UFC 314this one is going to be fireworks.
