Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett have exchanged confident predictions in a recent pre-fight interview.
The lightweight fighters are set to face off in a highly anticipated five-round co-main event at UFC 314 on April 12th.
This match is a significant career moment for both, pitting a former world champion against a rising contender.
Both fighters expressed strong belief in their victory in Miami next week.
Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett Predict UFC 314 Outcome
Paddy Pimblett has publicly predicted that he will defeat Michael Chandler within two rounds at UFC 314.
‘The Baddy’ confidently elaborated on his prediction while his opponent listened.
“He’s fought top lightweights for the last five years, but I believe I’ll have an easier time than they did,” Pimblett stated in an interview with ESPN MMA. “They accommodate Mike’s style by engaging in brawls with him.
“I believe I can win wherever the fight goes. The only way I can lose is by getting caught with a significant, unexpected strike to the chin. But as everyone knows, Scousers are tough to knock out. That’s not going to happen.
“I predict I’ll finish Mike within two rounds. I think I can end the fight in any scenario. He often lunges in with punches, so I can see myself catching him with a counter, dropping him. Or possibly submitting him. I genuinely don`t see a path to defeat.”
Chandler was less specific in his prediction but conveyed absolute certainty about winning.
“Scousers may be hard to knock out, but they haven’t faced someone with my power,” he responded.
“I’m really eager to test his chin. I’ll be constantly aggressive and put pressure on Paddy. I’m going to throw powerful strikes, and we’ll see if he can withstand them.”
“Just look at the size of my hands, man. His hands are tiny in comparison.”
Paddy Pimblett Aims for UFC Title Contention
Pimblett believes that defeating Chandler and achieving a 7-0 UFC record will position him for a title shot.
Current UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is widely considered the best pound-for-pound MMA fighter, and the 30-year-old Englishman hopes to compete against him sometime next year.
“The plan is to defeat Michael Chandler, then compete again in Abu Dhabi in October,” Pimblett told TNT Sports.
“Hopefully, I’ll face someone in the top five, and then I can request a title fight in 2026.”
Conversely, Chandler intends to challenge Conor McGregor if he overcomes Pimblett at UFC 314.
The former two-division UFC champion recently suggested retirement to explore a political career.
Nonetheless, Chandler remains focused on a fight with McGregor, should he return to the UFC.
