Henry Cejudo thinks the UFC world is still sleeping on Paddy Pimblett.
Former Cage Warriors Champion Paddy ‘The Paddy’ Pimblett passed his first test against ranked opposition at UFC 304 last summer with a 202-second submission of King Green.
Pimblett expertly caught Green in a triangle choke for his sixth-straight win in the UFC, earning the prospect a number next to his name and a shot at #7-ranked Michael Chandler.
Chandler vs. Pimblett is set for the co-main event of UFC 314 this Saturday and Cejudo is ‘smelling an upset’.
Henry Cejudo predicts Paddy Pimblett to beat Michael Chandler
Well, it’s not really much of an upset according to the betting odds. As of this writing, Pimblett is a slight -155 favorite over Chandler, the more-experienced veteran and three-time Bellator Champion.
Nevertheless, Henry Cejudo likes those odds, picking Pimblett along with first-time title challenger Diego Lopes at UFC 314.
“I’m smelling an upset,” Cejudo said on the Pound 4 Pound Podcast.
“Paddy Pimblett, I think he’s gonna bring in the grappling,” Cejudo continued. “I think he might pull guard on this dude.
“If he cannot take Michael Chandler down, he’s more likely going to have to do that. But I just feel like Paddy Pimblett, he’s a lot better than what I thought and what he was able to do to Bobby Green, his transitional stuff. We gotta put some respect on that dude’s name. And he’s only gotten better, bro.”
Half of Pimblett’s 22 career wins have come by submission. The Scouser has never been knocked out, which he tends to remind people about.
‘UFC knows what they’re doing’ with Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett
This is Pimblett’s first five-round fight in the UFC, the #12 lightweight contender having gone the championship distance three times in Cage Warriors.
Chandler has a wealth of experience in championship fights, from Bellator wars with Eddie Alvarez to an unsuccessful UFC title challenge against Charles Oliveira.
That being said, the former world champion is getting up there in age at 38 years old, fighting a hungry up-and-comer closer to the end of his illustrious career.
Cejudo calls it like he sees it.
“I just feel like with Michael Chandler, I think the UFC knows what they’re doing…” Cejudo said.
“They’re doing a five rounder. Like, think about it. I think Paddy Pimblett is a lot better than what we think. I’m smelling an upset here.
“I do believe that this, a win over Michael Chandler, could put him in a really good position,” Cejudo said of the 30-year-old Pimblett.
“He could be one fight away from fighting for the title…”
Henry Cejudo says former BMF Champ and top contender Justin Gaethje could be a potential next opponent for Paddy Pimblett with a win over Michael Chandler.
