Michael Chandler`s hopes for a fight with Conor McGregor appear to be over after a tough loss to Paddy Pimblett.
The popular fighter experienced his third consecutive loss in the co-main event of UFC 314 in Miami early Sunday morning.
Credit: GETTY
Credit: GETTY
Credit: GETTY
Credit: UFC
The former Bellator lightweight champion suffered a TKO loss in the fourth round to the Liverpool fighter in front of a packed audience at the Kaseya Center.
This victory was the most significant of Pimblett`s career, propelling him into lightweight title discussions.
Pimblett immediately addressed the top fighters in the division after his win, witnessed by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
In his post-fight interview, he exclaimed, “Anyone else got any questions?”
Pimblett effectively used leg kicks to control the distance in the first round.
This forced Chandler to attempt a takedown, which he successfully executed.
However, Chandler couldn`t keep Pimblett down, and the fight returned to a stand-up exchange.
Chandler then landed a strong counter right hand, reminding Pimblett of his striking power.
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Credit: GETTY
Credit: GETTY
Pimblett continued to utilize low calf kicks in the second round, targeting Chandler`s lead leg.
The fight was briefly paused when Chandler accidentally landed a front kick low as Pimblett also threw a kick.
After the break, Chandler secured another takedown and briefly took Pimblett`s back.
However, he lost position and slipped back to the ground.
Pimblett capitalized on this, transitioning and attempting several submissions.
Just before the round ended, he landed elbows on Chandler while maintaining a body triangle.
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Credit: GETTY
Pimblett landed a counter flying knee at the start of round three, opening a large cut on Chandler.
Pimblett then went for the finish, securing a takedown instead of rushing his attack.
He unleashed heavy strikes on Chandler, who was hurt and bleeding.
The referee stopped the fight, confirming Pimblett`s status as a serious lightweight contender.
An excited Pimblett, whose victory reportedly cost Conor McGregor $500,000, declared, “I want that world title.”
He added, “I want Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, or Arman Tsarukyan.”
Pimblett is now likely on McGregor`s radar, even though he didn`t call out McGregor directly.
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Credit: AP
McGregor had mentioned earlier in the week that he was interested in fighting the winner of this match.
He had even bet $500,000 on Chandler to win, expecting him to defeat Pimblett.
In a video posted before the fight, McGregor stated, “The fight I`m interested in is Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett. I`m picking Michael Chandler to win by KO.”
He added, “Although Paddy has improved recently, I still think Chandler will win.”
Chandler`s future in UFC looks uncertain after this third consecutive defeat.
He appeared visibly disappointed after the fight and left the octagon immediately.
