Paddy Pimblett is being backed to finish Michael Chandler with his hands rather than his submission skills by an MMA superstar.
‘The Baddy’ is scheduled to go to war with his rival on Saturday night at UFC 314, inside the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, USA.
A victory would propel the Brit toward a shot at the lightweight championship belt.
And with so much momentum going into the bout, he’s caught the attention of a UFC title-holder.
WOW: Jon Jones made a surprising comment about Tom Aspinall before their heated rivalry started
Tom Aspinall explains why Paddy Pimblett will knock out Michael Chandler
Tom Aspinall is absolutely adamant that Paddy Pimblett can knock Michael Chandler out at the weekend.
The reigning UFC interim heavyweight champion has given a detailed breakdown as to why he’s favoring his countryman over the American. And it has nothing to do with the fact that Pimblett terrified fans with his ‘grotesque’ hand in the middle of a joint interview with his opponent.
The powerhouse told Eurosport: “I think it would be silly to say that Paddy has not had favorable match-ups, because I think he definitely has. But I think Paddy is improving a lot.
I think people underestimate him a lot because of the way he acts outside the octagon, the way he looks, and his style is unorthodox to watch.
“That being said, I think he’s had some favorable match-ups here and there, but I think people are massively overlooking Paddy. I honestly think that Paddy can have a title run.
“I think he’s going to beat Michael Chandler. I think he’s going to surprise a lot of people.
“I watched Chandler up close fighting Charles Oliveira. I was cageside in New York, and I think when you watch a fight cageside, and you watch it on TV, it’s completely different.
“I think Paddy is going to knock him out, honestly, I do. I think most people would look at it and think Paddy is going to get the submission if he wins, but I honestly think Paddy is going to knock him out.”
Paddy Pimblett makes shock prediction for potential Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall title fight
While Aspinall has expressed his belief in Pimblett for his upcoming showdown with Chandler, the Liverpudlian hasn’t reciprocated.
The powerhouse is on the cusp of securing a monster clash with Jon Jones.
However, the lightweight isn’t convinced his fellow Brit has what it takes to get the job done.
In an interesting interview, Pimblett explained why he’s picking Jones to beat Aspinall.
