One of the UFC’s most interesting prospects has a huge test coming up. On April 12, at UFC 314, Pimblett steps into the Octagon against none other than Michael Chandler—a former title challenger, a fan-favorite brawler, and a guy who’s shared the cage with some of the best in the world.
This is really a huge test for Pimblett, who has to deal with Chandler, who is on a two-fight losing streak and is looking for a win.
Paddy believes that he knows how this will play out. Not the fight itself but the reaction afterward. Win or lose, he’s convinced that critics will find a way to move the goalposts, dismiss his performance, and keep him outside the conversation of legitimate contenders. And honestly? He might have a point.
THE STAKES: CAN PADDY FINALLY SILENCE HIS DOUBTERS?
Let’s be honest—Pimblett’s UFC run has been impressive on paper. He’s 6-0 inside the Octagon and 22-3 overall, but the skeptics keep chirping. They say he’s been given favorable matchups. They say he’s been protected. They say he hasn’t beaten a ranked opponent yet.
But the criticism is far off.
Pimblett seems to have received the treatment Sean O’Malley received before rising through the ranks, and even he has struggled.
However, Pimblett’s destiny is in his own hands, and Chandler is the next step.
Chandler is battle-tested, ranked in the top 10, and has fought the biggest names in the division, including Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. However, Chandler lost to all of them, and his only win recently was against a very worn-out Tony Ferguson. If Paddy gets past him, there’s no denying he belongs in the conversation to be a contender in the division. And Paddy knows it.
“Every fight, I get underestimated and overlooked,” Pimblett said during the UFC 314 press conference. “But I’m getting in there now with someone who’s top 10, someone who’s fought all the legends in the division. He’s fought for the title. So finally, I’m going to get in there and when I win, people can’t chat sht—but they will.”*
He’s got a point. When Pimblett beats an opponent, critics tend to dismiss it as “not a real test.” When he struggles, they call it proof that he’s overrated. If he loses? Well, you already know how that conversation goes.
PADDY’S ROAD TO THE BELT: WHO’S NEXT?
Assuming he gets the job done against Chandler, Pimblett has some big plans. He’s not just looking to crack the top 10—he’s got his eyes set on a title run.
“I’m going to be ranked No. 7 once this fight’s over, and I will be in title contention,” Pimblett declared.
So, who’s next if he gets past Chandler?
- Ilia Topuria – There’s history here. The two have gone back and forth in interviews and on social media. Pimblett doesn’t think Topuria has what it takes to beat Islam Makhachev, but he’d still love to fight him.
- Dustin Poirier – A win over “The Diamond” would leave no doubt that Pimblett belongs at the top.
- Charles Oliveira – A former champion and one of the most dangerous lightweights in the world. If Pimblett truly wants to prove he’s elite, this would be a defining fight.
But before any of that can happen, he has to get past Chandler. And make no mistake—that will be a war, and if you don’t believe it, watch his fight with Justin Gaethje.
CAN PADDY HANDLE CHANDLER’S FIREPOWER?
Here’s the thing about Michael Chandler—win or lose, he brings the fight to you. He’s got dynamite in his hands, relentless wrestling, and a gas tank that doesn’t quit.
Yes, his UFC record is 2-4, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. His losses came against Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, and Islam Makhachev—four of the absolute best in the world. And in almost every one of those fights, Chandler had his moments.
If Pimblett can survive Chandler’s early onslaught and drag him into deep waters, he’s got a real shot at winning. But if he lets Chandler dictate the pace? It could be a long night.
I like Pimblett a lot and would love to see him beat Chandler but he’s got his work cut out for him.
VOLKANOVSKI’S MISSION: REDEMPTION OR DECLINE?
While Pimblett vs. Chandler is a huge fight, it’s not even the main event. That honor goes to the featherweight title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes. And let’s talk about Volkanovski for a second—because this fight is huge for him.
It wasn’t very long ago that Volkanovski was one of the most dominant champions in UFC history. Then, things changed. The former unstoppable fighter has lost three of his last four fights.
First, he lost back-to-back fights with Islam Makhachev at the lightweight level. Then, in a shocking moment, he got knocked out by Ilia Topuria.
The fall was swift, and suddenly, there were whispers about retirement. Was the unbeatable Volkanovski finally slowing down? Was this the beginning of the end?
According to Volk, the answer is no, and he’s looking to make a statement.
“I think [Diego Lopes] is gonna absolutely hate being in these positions because he’s going to realize ‘I can’t stop this guy’… I’ll show the world, and him, that I’m just different,” Volkanovski declared.
That’s confidence. That’s fire. And honestly, it’s exactly what he needs. Because Lopes? He’s no joke. He’s young, hungry, and sees this as his moment.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: WHAT’S AT STAKE AT UFC 314?
This card is shaping up to be a game-changer.
- For Pimblett: A win over Chandler shuts up the doubters and puts him in the top 10. A loss? It’s back to the drawing board.
- For Chandler: If he wins, he stays relevant. If he loses, it might be time to reconsider his future.
- For Volkanovski: This is his shot at redemption. A dominant win puts him right back at the top. A loss? It could spell the end of an incredible run.
- For Diego Lopes: This is the biggest opportunity of his career. Can he seize it?
FINAL THOUGHTS: WHO WILL STEAL THE SHOW?
UFC 314 is shaping up to be one of the biggest events of the year and better than whatever we just watched in March. There’s no shortage of drama between Pimblett’s toughest test yet and Volkanovski’s comeback.
Will Pimblett finally get the respect he craves? Will Chandler turn back the hype train? Can Volkanovski reclaim his spot at the top?
One thing’s for sure—come April 12, we will get some answers. And you better believe it’s going to be a wild ride.
