Paddy Pimblett knocked out Michael Chandler in the co-main event at UFC 314 in Miami and told Conor McGregor ‘if he wants it, he can get it as well’
Paddy Pimblett after beating Michael Chandler(Image: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Paddy Pimblett hit out at Conor McGregor last year after the UFC legend placed a $500,000 wager on the Liverpudlian to LOSE.
The Liverpudlian fighter maintained his flawless UFC record back in April, landing a devastating knockout against Michael Chandler in the co-main event at UFC 314. The 31-year-old appeared in no danger of losing against the seasoned MMA veteran, controlling proceedings from the opening bell.
Pimblett was nimble and dominant from the start, repeatedly catching Chandler off-guard with crisp leg strikes. It was evident by the conclusion of the first round that ‘Iron’ Chandler was tiring. In the third round ‘The Baddy’ truly seized control of the contest. Following a successful takedown, Pimblett unleashed relentless unanswered strikes, forcing the referee to stop the bout.
Before the fight, McGregor had supported Chandler with a substantial $500,000 wager. On social media prior to the encounter, the Dubliner declared: “What’s up, everybody. “It’s the ‘Notorious’ … I want to wish you all a great fight night tonight, and come through for my best bet of the night. The fight I’m interested in is Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett. And I’m going Michael Chandler to win, and win by KO. Though Paddy has improved in his last few outings, I still fancy Chandler to do it. Let’s go, boys.”
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The gamble would have netted him $2.5million had it paid off. When questioned about his views on the pre-fight wager, Pimblett didn’t mince his words in his evaluation and was swift to challenge the 37-year-old. “Even (Conor) McGregor putting money on Chandler to win, lad. The Irish-Scouse connection,” he declared at the UFC 314 post-fight press conference. “He’s meant to back me. And even never! So if he wants it, he can get it as well.”
The Brit was subsequently pressed by a journalist about whether he was taken aback when the Irishman chose not to wager on him, to which he responded: “Yeah I didn’t think he’d go against me, to be honest. I thought he’d back me and not Chandler, but it’s one of them isn’t it?”.
Pimblett was then questioned about his potential response should he encounter McGregor again. “I don’t know if I’ll ever see him. You never know, I’ll say to him ‘what happened there? F*****g hell, the Irish-Scouse connection, you’re meant to back me, but you went for the Yank instead.’ But, it’s one of them, if he ever wants to come back, I’ll be here waiting.”
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The Liverpool fighter is due to return to the octagon on Saturday night when he takes on Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title. Several figures in the mixed martial arts community regard the ‘Baddy’ as amongst the sport’s biggest attractions, white UFC boss Dana White even drawing similarities between Pimblett’s progression and McGregor’s meteoric rise years ago.
Speaking to TMZ recently, the UFC chief said: “He reminds me of the Conor McGregor story. He came in with this great personality and was always overlooked. Every time he fought, everybody believed he was going to lose, and Paddy has been that guy – even more so than Conor McGregor.” Since signing with the UFC, Pimblett continues to battle his critics – who have constantly slammed the 31-year-old after every fight. But the ‘Baddy’ has the chance to silence his naysayers once and for all on Saturday night, providing he topples Gaethje in devastating fashion.
When is Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje?
The mouthwatering showdown between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje will take place on Saturday, January 24, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The early prelims are expected to get underway at around 10pm GMT (5pm ET / 2pm PT / 4pm CT), with the regular prelims due to start at 12am GMT on Sunday (7pm ET / 4pm PT / 6pm CT). The main card will begin at a new time of 2am GMT on Sunday (9pm ET / 6pm PT / 8pm CT).
In the main event Pimblett will likely make the walk to the cage first at around 4am GMT on Sunday (11pm ET / 8pm PT / 10pm CT), with Gaethje set to follow immediately after. The timings of all fights are subject to change and will depend on how long the undercard takes to complete.
For those watching in the United Kingdom, fans will be able to watch the entire action live on TNT Sports Box Office at a cost of £19.99. The event is available to purchase on discovery+, EE TV, Prime Video, Sky and Virgin Media TV. You do not need to be a TNT Sports subscriber to buy the event. UFC 324 marks a new era for the promotion after penning a deal with Paramount. So, for those watching in America, Paramount+ is where you will be able to watch all of the action.
