MMA Knockout

Paddy Pimblett torches prominent MMA media member for take on Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev

Is Paddy Pimblett looking past Michael Chandler?

Zain Bando

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images & Paddy Pimblett-Instagram

Paddy Pimblett returns to the Octagon for the first time since July of last year, riding an eight-fight unbeaten streak after making short work of King Green (32-17 MMA, 13-12-1, UFC) with a triangle choke at UFC 304.

Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 6-0 UFC) now focuses on bigger, more lucrative fights moving forward. He gets to showcase his presence opposite his first former champion, Bellator-turned-UFC veteran Michael Chandler, on April 12 during UFC 314’s co-headliner in Miami, Fla.

Pimblett told The Action Network last Wednesday that he is solely focused on finishing Chandler (23-9 MMA, 2-4 UFC) to move one step closer to a shot at lightweight gold and Champion Islam Makhachev.

Outside of fighting, he is keeping his goals targeted. That includes ignoring outside MMA media, like Ariel Helwani’s thoughts regarding the Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev outcome in recent weeks. 

READ MORE: Dana White denied entry to 'big mouth' fighter before they became one of the highest-paid stars in the UFC

Paddy Pimblett Trashes Recent Ariel Helwani Take

F** him (Ariel). F** him, lad. The lizard,” Pimblett said regarding Helwani’s thoughts on the fight.

Paddy Pimblett reacts after defeating Tony Ferguson during UFC 296 at T-Mobile Arena.
Paddy Pimblett reacts after defeating Tony Ferguson during UFC 296 at T-Mobile Arena. / Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

READ MORE:'I'm not an idiot' ... Paddy Pimblett accuses Ilia Topuria of using his name to build UFC career

As for the fight against Chandler, Pimblett is keen upon stopping “Iron” as soon as possible to impress UFC brass.

“He's gonna have to leap in a big, big way for the shots, and I'm gonna catch him when he's leaping in."

Michael Chandler Is At a Crossroads In His UFC Career

Chandler lost to former UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira this past November, a rematch of their May 2021 encounter that saw the division embark upon a new era altogether.

Charles Oliveira fights Michael Chandler in the lightweight bout during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden.
Charles Oliveira fights Michael Chandler in the lightweight bout during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The card features a headlining attraction for the Vacant Featherweight Championship between former champion Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) to conclude a 15-fight offering.

READ MORE: Paddy Pimblett speaks on fighting 'dirty b-----d' Michael Chandler at UFC 314

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Zain Bando
ZAIN BANDO

Zain Bando is a writer for MMA Knockout, part of the Sports Illustrated/Minute Media umbrella. He has covered combat sports since 2019 for notable outlets BJPenn.com and FanSided MMA. He also co-hosts a podcast called "The MMA Outsiders," part of the Empty The Bench Podcast Network, which airs Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. A Chicago suburban native, Bando has been enthralled with MMA since 2006 and has been fortunate to attend some of the most high-profile events in the sport's history, both as a fan and media member, including UFC 264, Bellator 297 and Kayla Harrison's PFL MMA debut. He is excited to take the next step in his combat sports writing journey and looks forward to continuing his following of the fight game for years to come. Bando can be reached via email at zainbando99@gmail.com or by social media @zainbando99

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