“I have seen lot of me future. I know me destiny, I know what’s coming, lad…there was Brock [Lesnar], there was Ronda [Rousey], there was Conor [McGregor], now there’s ‘Paddy the Baddy’. That’s what it is, lad…I’m gonna bring a whole new generation and a whole new type of crowd to MMA.” Paddy Pimblett talked about his future in the UFC way back in 2021. Since then, the Englishman has been on a tear and is now set to face his toughest challenge yet at UFC 314 against Michael Chandler.
However, Pimblett’s former opponent, Jared Gordon, isn’t convinced that the verbose Liverpudlian can handle the power and experience Chandler brings to the table. Gordon, who fought Pimblett at UFC 282 in 2022, knows firsthand what ‘The Baddy’ is capable of. Although their fight went the distance, Pimblett walked away with a decision victory, solidifying his rising status in the division. Interestingly, Gordon has another perspective — he trains alongside Chandler and is also well aware of the former Bellator champion’s strengths.
The 36-year-old believes Chandler’s power will be a major obstacle for Pimblett at UFC 314. During a recent interview shared by Home Of Fight on X, Gordon stated, “And you know you are probably gonna get punched in the face by Mike when you fight him. So like, there’s a pretty good chance that he would hurt you or finish you.”
Unsurprisingly, Pimblett doesn’t share Gordon’s concerns. The 30-year-old exudes confidence ahead of the fight, convinced he’s ready to take out the division’s old guard. In a recent video also posted by Home of Fight on X, Pimblett claimed, “It was also nice to size Chandler up. Like a lot of people were surprised at how much bigger I am than him. When I knew I was going to be that much bigger than him. I’m going to show everyone that the old guard’s on the way out and the new guard’s coming in. It’s funny everyone’s saying he’s going to knock me out. I don’t think he’s going to get near me on the feet.”
Paddy Pimblett sends a message to Michael Chandler:
“Everybody saying he’s gonna knock me out. I don’t think he’s going to get near me on the feet…
I’m gonna show everyone that the old guard’s are on the way out. And new guard’s coming in.”
@PaddyTheBaddy pic.twitter.com/VcNdku36rv
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) March 15, 2025
At 38 years old, Chandler finds himself in the twilight of his career, undeniably past his prime. His recent performances inside the Octagon haven’t quite lived up to expectations. But one thing is certain! Chandler possesses the skill set and the experience to potentially upset a younger opponent. Heading into what may very well be the most crucial fight of his career, ‘Iron’ seems fully prepared to embrace the challenge. He knows what’s at stake and is set to leave it all in the Octagon, proving that he’s far from finished.
Michael Chandler weighs in on his UFC 314 bout against Paddy Pimblett
The post “The Old Guard’s on the Way Out” – Paddy Pimblett Confronts Michael Chandler on Bold Knockout Prediction for UFC 314 Fight appeared first on EssentiallySports.