On April 12, one of the biggest stars on the roster faced the biggest test of his career.
Paddy Pimblett was confident that he would stop Michael Chandler in their co-main event clash at UFC 314 in Miami.
‘The Baddy’ has certainly been divisive throughout his run in the promotion but beating a former title challenger would solidify his status as a legitimate lightweight contender.
He did just that with Pimblett dominating and stopping Chandler in the third round after reigning down ruthless ground and pound from the top position.
His seventh consecutive win inside the Octagon has put the 30-year-old firmly in the title picture with only the very top names at 155-pounds being ahead of him.
Paddy Pimblett names Charles Oliveira as his preferred opponent out of the top lightweights
In his post-fight interview, Paddy Pimblett named the four top lightweights that he would like to fight next time out in order to earn a shot at the 155-pound gold.
‘The Baddy’ will be in the top 10 come next week and given his star status and momentum, none of the names he mentioned are out of reach.
Pimblett told Joe Rogan that he wants to be standing across the Octagon from either Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira or Arman Tsarukyan in the near future.
He did immediately discredit Tsarukyan as an option and with Poirier gearing up for what seems to be the final fight of his career, this also looks like an unlikely matchup.
The UFC broadcast cut to Gaethje but despite having ‘The Highlight’ in attendance, Pimblett changed angles when naming his preferred pick.
Oliveira has been linked with Ilia Topuria in recent times but if ‘Do Bronx’ doesn’t end up welcoming the former featherweight champion up to 155-pounds, he might have a date with the division’s other new contender.
“I respect Dustin, Justin and Charles. Charles is the biggest legend out of them all and he gets called the best submission artist the UFC’s ever seen, well I dispute that. I’m here, so me versus Charles.”
Paddy Pimblett answered doubters at UFC 314
During Paddy Pimblett’s rise up the lightweight division, a lot of fans questioned whether he could compete with the top 15 for several reasons.
‘The Baddy’ was able to answer some of those questions at UFC 314 where he put in by far his most impressive performance to date.
Pimblett was physically dominant against Michael Chandler with plenty of gas in the tank and far more refined striking that didn’t leave him as open to taking significant damage.
The scouser hasn’t just arrived in the top 10, he proved that he deserves to be there regardless of his popularity.
