UFC 282 will always hover as a dark cloud over the UFC’s 205lbs title picture as Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev fought to an infamous draw. However, there was another instance on the undercard that sealed the fate for a rising superstar or one would say ‘lad’ from Liverpool. We are of course talking about Paddy Pimblett. Remember his bout against Jared Gordon on the undercard of the Las Vegas PPV? A bout that the bombastic 155fer won but everyone thought otherwise. Well, 23 out of the 24 media members scored it for Gordon. Moreover, veterans of the sport like Dominick Cruz and Gilbert Burns criticized the judges for fumbling with the result.
However, the real damage came in the form of the post-fight interview with Joe Rogan where 31 seconds led to a massive dip in the stock of the Liverpudlian. Controversial decisions are part of the sport but being absolutely delusional? That certainly doesn’t win you fans. But that’s exactly what ‘The Baddy’ had in mind when he refused to admit that the fight was even close. Moreover, his rift with Ariel Helwani before the bout where he recorded an interview with arch-nemesis Dana White didn’t do him any favors. Overall, a pretty bad outlook for a guy who was touted as the next Conor McGregor!
This is why many fans are waiting for Pimblett to lose. And they will be expecting all of this to take shape when the Englishman takes on a lightweight titan in the form of #7-ranked Michael Chandler. The head honcho, well aware of Pimblett’s reputation among fans, couldn’t wait to find out how the Englishman does in the clash.
“It’s a great fight, great card, and obviously a big night for Paddy, you know what I mean. For whatever reason, there’s been a lot of doubt that has surrounded Paddy Pimblett and he has shut the doubters up every single time he goes out and competes. Will he do it again in Miami?” White said in an interview with ‘TNT Sport’s Adam Catterall.
December 10, 2022, Las Vegas, Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States: LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 10: Paddy Pimblett prepares to fight Jared Gordon in their Lightweight fight during the UFC 282 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 10, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Las Vegas, Nevada United States – ZUMAp175 20221210_zsa_p175_146 Copyright: xLouisxGrassex
And what a matchup it is. Chandler, of course, is must-see TV every time he fights. An absolute unit, the Missouri native aims to entertain and comes through every time. But thankfully, Pimblett has the perfect plan to deal with the former Bellator champion.
Paddy Pimblett explains how he would beat Michael Chandler at UFC 314
“He’s a unit, isn’t he? He’s going to come out and try to knock my head off.” Pimblett predicted in an interview with ESPN. However, the Liverpool native was sure Chandler would fail, just like everyone before ‘Iron’ had.
“He comes out trying to take your head off swinging overhands, left hooks, and that’s all anyone’s ever tried to do against me trying to knock me out and no one has ever knocked me out. Michael Chandler is not going to be the first person to do it,” he added.
It is safe to say that Pimblett seems to be prepared for the kitchen sink that Chandler is surely going to throw his way. Just like how he dealt with King Green and Tony Ferguson, the Englishman claimed he would try to pick apart the former Bellator champ from a distance. In fact, the bombastic contender felt he could even goad Chandler into a knockout with this strategy because of ‘Iron’s bellicose fighting style.
“I’m going to kick him, keep him on the end of my range, and frustrate him. I do think I could land a knockout blow as he steps in and brings all his weight forward leaning into a shot. I think I can knock him out. I also think I can TKO him with leg kicks but I don’t think he’s going to try to take me down. He knows I’d submit him.” Pimblett declared. What do you think about Dana White’s comments on the Pimblett-Chandler clash?
The post “Will He Do It Again in Miami?” – Paddy Pimblett Faces Pressure as Dana White Shuts Doubters Before UFC 314 Fight appeared first on EssentiallySports.
