Chandler v Pimblett

BBC News

12-04-2025

Lightweight Paddy Pimblett fights Michael Chandler in the biggest test of his MMA career on Saturday at UFC 314 in Miami.The Liverpool star is an underdog against the experienced American, who has fought most of the top contenders in the lightweight division.Pimblett, 30, could fire himself into the top 10 of the rankings with a win and many of the big names in MMA are backing the Englishman.Chandler is aiming to get back in the win column after two successive defeats for the 38-year-old.Tell us what you think by voting below and check out all the predictions from the world of MMA.
UFC featherweight Arnold Allen: "Chandler has zero IQ, but 100% heart. He's dirty, he will poke you in the eye and pull your hair but he will try everything to win. I feel Paddy's grappling will be better. Paddy's jiu jitsu usurps Chandler's wrestling. I honestly think Paddy is going to finish him. Maybe Paddy hurts him on the feet, Chandler rushes in and Paddy secures a triangle. That's how I am calling it." (Arnold Allen YouTube channel)UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett: "He's gonna come out and try and take my head off, I know he is 100%, and I'll be using my range against him. I had a stare down with him the other week and there's a big size difference and I'll be honest, I thought he was going to be wider than he was, bigger than he was, and he wasn't. I tower over him and he'll see that come fight night."UFC lightweight Michael Chandler: "This is a fight people care about, it has all the makings of the people's main event. I'm healthy, I'm ready, we've had a phenomenal training camp, I had a daughter born a few days ago so I've got some extra motivation. I'm going to go out there and get my hand raised and finish Paddy Pimblett in spectacular fashion."Former UFC bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo: "I just feel like with Michael Chandler, I think the UFC knows what they're doing. They're doing a five rounder. Like, think about it. I think Paddy Pimblett is a lot better than what we think, and I'm smelling an upset here." (Pound 4 Pound podcast)Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker: "Chandler's going to come out hard and fast like he always does. He'll slowly fade. I expect Paddy to start beating him with volume. If Chandler goes for a lazy takedown, Paddy's submission game is super under-rated. That's how I feel about the fight. I've got Paddy winning." (MMArcade podcast)Former light-heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill: "Chandler is going to have to be patient and work behind the jab. Some veteran patience would be huge. For Paddy he should work the kicks, chop the leg and take away the explosiveness. Take out the legs and Paddy should find the shots from there." (Jamahal Hill YouTube Channel)
Former UFC middleweight chamion Israel Adesanya: Chandler should just blitz Pimblett if he wants to get to the chin. Chandler with the right could do a big number on him in round one, Pimblett is pretty tough. He might withstand the storm in round one, and then round two and three find a way to get the victory. But again Chandler just has one gear. I like Chandler, I want him to win but if it goes past round one I would pick Paddy. (Freestylebender Youtube Channel)Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley: "It's such an interesting fight, Michael Chandler is such a gangster for taking that fight. If he beats Paddy it's still a big win. Paddy is skilled - I don't know who wins but it's going to be very competitive." (Timbo Sugashow Podcast)MMA coach John Kavanagh: "Paddy has showed us several times scousers don't get knocked out. He'll have a reach advantage, as long as he keeps the shots long he'll have the striking advantage. I think Paddy will get the rear-naked choke in the first round or two, set up with his rangey long shots, forcing Michael to take it to the ground then using a scramble and getting a rear-naked choke."UFC lightweight Mauricio Ruffy: "I don't know how the fight's going to develop. One guy will be throwing punches and the other guy will try and bring him down. Because of the momentum he's got, I'm going to go with Paddy." (TNT Sports)UFC light-heavyweight Jared Cannonier: "Chandler is going to win that one. He'll grind out a win. I think Pimblett gets hit and Chandler hits too hard. Paddy's a tough one but they don't call Michael 'Iron Mike' for nothing." (Overdogs Podcast)UFC lightweight Dustin Poirier: "Chandler all day. Go hard on the money."