Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett have traded bold predictions during a joint pre-fight interview.
The lightweight duo will clash in an eagerly anticipated five-round co-main event at UFC 314 on April 12.
It’s a crossroads fight between a former world champion and a prospect rising through the ranks.
Both men are confident they will be walking away with a statement victory in Miami in seven days time.
Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett predict UFC 314
Pimblett has already publicly predicted that he will finish Chandler inside two rounds at UFC 314.
‘The Baddy’ had no problem breaking down his bold call whilst his opponent was listening.
“He’s fought all the best lightweights in the division for the past five years, but I think I’m gonna make it easier than they did,” Pimblett said during an interview with ESPN MMA. “They play into Mike’s style, they stand and brawl with him.
“I think anywhere this fight goes, I’m gonna win. The only way I lose here is if I get hit with a big, crazy, wild shot on the chin. And as you all know, Scousers don’t get knocked out. There’s no way that’s happening.
“I think I’m gonna finish Mike in two [rounds]. As I say, I think I can end this fight anywhere. He loves lunging in with his punches, so I can see me catching him with a shot on the way in, putting him down. Or I can actually see me submitting him. I don’t see a way I lose, to be honest.”
Chandler was less specific with his prediction, but spoke with utter confidence about getting the win.
“Scousers don’t get knocked out apparently, but they’ve never been hit by the likes of me,” he replied.
“I’m really really excited to test his chin. I’m going to have one foot on the gas and one foot on Paddy’s throat. I’m going to throw big bombs, and we’re going to see if he sinks or swims.
“Look at the size of my paws, dude. Those [Pimblett’s] are little bird hands.”
Paddy Pimblett eyes UFC title shot
Pimblett believes that moving to 7-0 in the UFC by beating Chandler will put him in touching distance of a title shot.
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is almost universally regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in MMA today, and the 30-year-old Englishman wants to face him at some point next year.
“The plan is to beat Michael Chandler, then fight again in Abu Dhabi in October,” Pimblett told TNT Sports.
“Hopefully, I get to fight someone in the top four, top five, and then I can ask for a title shot in 2026.”
In contrast, Chandler is planning to call out Conor McGregor if he beats Pimblett at UFC 314.
The former dual-weight UFC champion recently hinted at retirement to pursue a political run.
Still, Chandler is firmly fixated on a clash with MMA’s biggest star, if he returns to the UFC Octagon.
