Paddy Pimblett has intensified the build-up for his UFC 314 co-main event against Michael Chandler, branding him a “dirty bastard” and voicing concerns about the officiating leading into it.
Speaking to reporters during media day, Pimblett didn’t mince words regarding Chandler’s fighting tactics, explicitly citing the eye poke in his fight against Tony Ferguson.
“He’s the nicest man in the world outside the cage. And when he gets in there, he’s a dirty bastard, isn’t he?” Paddy Pimblett said. “But I always say if you’re not cheating, you’re not trying. So I understand what he’s trying to do, he wants to win, and that’s the main thing when it comes to this game.”
Pimblett mentioned his jiu-jitsu and cardio, envisioning a scenario where he takes Chandler into the deeper rounds and secures a finish. He dismissed Chandler’s belief of being a “different animal” at welterweight, reminding him that their bout is contracted at lightweight.
Despite Chandler’s experience against elite competition, Pimblett remains unfazed, viewing this matchup as his platform to demonstrate his own top-tier credentials.
“As I said, Chandler’s a real nice fellow outside the Octagon,” Pimblett added. “I’ve bumped into him yesterday and had a chat with him. But in there, he’s a very, very dirty man.”
