UFC lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett is planning to discuss Michael Chandler`s potential `dirty` tactics with the referee before their UFC 314 fight.
Pimblett is aware of the reputation Michael Chandler has gained among some fighters for questionable actions in the Octagon. Leading up to their UFC 314 match, Pimblett wants to ensure the referee is equally aware of possible rule violations.
Pimblett is facing the biggest challenge of his UFC career against Chandler in the co-main event of UFC 314 this Saturday in Miami. Having had a perfect record in UFC so far, Pimblett will now face a significant step up in competition with Chandler, who is aiming to get back to winning after UFC 274.
While there is mutual respect between Pimblett and Chandler, Pimblett is concerned about the extent Chandler might go to in order to win at UFC 314.
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Paddy Pimblett warns officials about ‘dirty’ Michael Chandler before UFC 314
Several of Chandler`s past opponents, including Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira, have criticized the UFC fighter for using unfair tactics in the Octagon. In Chandler’s recent fight against Oliveira at UFC 309, he appeared to land multiple punches to the back of Oliveira`s head, which some felt the referee should have addressed.
Pimblett is determined to prevent a similar situation at UFC 314.
During the UFC 314 media day press conference, Pimblett asked for an experienced referee to be assigned to their fight to watch for any dirty tactics from Chandler.
“He’s the nicest guy outside the cage, but once he’s in there, he’s a dirty fighter, isn’t he?” Pimblett commented. “But I always say if you’re not cheating, you’re not trying. So I get what he’s doing, he wants to win, and that’s what matters most in this game.
“I’ll probably mention to the referee beforehand to watch out if he tries to grab my gloves or poke me in the eye, things like that…”
“In the last fight against Charles, he hit him in the back of the head like nine times… I hope that’s not our referee, I hope we get a good ref like [Marc] Goddard or [Jason] Herzog. Someone who won’t let me get hit in the back of the head repeatedly… he’s a very dirty man.”
Chandler lost to Oliveira by unanimous decision in their UFC 309 rematch, despite a strong finish.
Leading up to UFC 314, Pimblett sought advice from Patricio ‘Pitbull’, a former opponent of Chandler who knocked him out quickly. Patricio ‘Pitbull’ is scheduled to make his UFC debut at UFC 314 this Saturday against Yair Rodriguez.
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Paddy Pimblett could set up his next big fight with a win at UFC 314
If Pimblett wins at UFC 314, he could be in contention for a No. 1 contender fight against another top lightweight. Recently, Pimblett and UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan have been exchanging words following Tsarukyan’s withdrawal from UFC 311.
Pimblett questioned Tsarukyan’s withdrawal from UFC 311 due to a back injury just hours before his main event fight with Islam Makhachev. Renato Moicano replaced him, losing to Makhachev by first-round submission.
Joe Rogan also questioned Tsarukyan’s late withdrawal from UFC 311, suggesting a bad weight cut might have been the real reason.
Pimblett and Tsarukyan might be heading for a future fight after UFC 314, as Tsarukyan needs to win at least one more fight to get another title shot. Regardless of the outcome of Pimblett vs. Chandler, their UFC 314 co-main event is expected to significantly impact the lightweight division.
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