“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
Michael Chandler may not be the same fighter he was during his Bellator prime. But his ability to deliver thrilling, high-intensity fights has solidified his place as one of the sport’s top draws. Over the course of his decade-long MMA career, Chandler has faced some of the toughest competition in the sport. This includes UFC legends like Dan Hooker, Charles Oliveira, and Justin Gaethje. His wealth of experience fighting against such elite opponents is something Chandler believes will give him the edge against Paddy Pimblett.
In a recent conversation with ESPN MMA, ‘Iron’ exuded confidence, stating, “I believe I’m going to put pressure on him. I believe he will know right away within the first exchange that he’s not stepping into the Octagon with Bobby Green or Tony Ferguson, or some of the guys he’s fought. It’s just a different level. I still believe, where I’m at, it’s a bad matchup stylistically for him.”
With UFC 314 just around the corner, fans and experts alike are divided on who will come out on top. While some feel the younger Pimblett has the advantage, others are backing the battle-tested veteran. So, who do you think will take the win in this high-stakes matchup? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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.
