Paddy Pimblett paid a visit to Michael Chandler after the biggest win of his career.
A relatively new name in the UFC lightweight rankings, Paddy Pimblett shot up to #8 in the world with a dominating win over Michael Chandler in the UFC 314 co-main event.
After the opening round, the fight was all Pimblett’s with ‘The Baddy’ cutting up Chandler with a brutal knee and ground and pound for a third-round TKO. A straight-up mauling of the former Bellator champion.
Chandler, 38, has heard many in the MMA community rip his performance and call for his retirement— none of which came from Pimblett.
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Paddy Pimblett, Michael Chandler have wholesome post-fight interaction
We didn’t see a ton of Chandler following his TKO loss to Pimblett, rushed out of the Octagon and covered in towels before Bruce Buffer read the official decision.
In the aftermath of UFC 314, Pimblett went to Chandler’s locker room thank him face-to-face for the opportunity. Chandler was ranked #7 when he accepted the rather risky fight with Pimblett, who was outside the top 10.
“Thank you very much lad for sharing that Octagon with me,” Pimblett told Chandler in a video posted to his YouTube channel.
Battered and bruised, Chandler gave Pimblett a hug: “Congrats, man.”
Pimblett shook hands with Chandler’s corner and his opponent’s young son
“Hope you’re good, little man,” Pimblett said.
“Again, Mike thanks for stepping up and sharing that Octagon with me. I appreciate it,” Pimblett added.
What’s next for Paddy Pimblett?
A top contender and three-time Bellator Champion on his resume, the sky’s the limit for Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314.
In his post-fight interview, Pimblett called out three names: Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje – all quality names Pimblett could face next after beating the brakes off of Chandler.
Ranked #8 in the world, coach of UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev Javier Mendez says a title shot wouldn’t be out of the question for Pimblett.
“Paddy is ready to face anybody,” Mendez said on the Javier & Mo Show.
“What he’s done already—his credentials, his winning record in the UFC, and his hype…
“If they give him the next title shot, he deserves it,” Mendez said of Pimblett.
Paddy Pimblett is currently 7-0 in the UFC with wins over Michael Chandler, King Green and Tony Ferguson.
