Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett is already planning his next move, and it involves a potential showdown with Dustin Poirier, specifically if Poirier’s retirement plans come to fruition. His immediate focus, however, is on Michael Chandler at UFC 314. A victory there would be a significant step in his career.
Pimblett is scheduled to face Chandler in a five-round co-main event in Miami on April 12th. He’s already looking ahead, and should Poirier need a retirement fight, Pimblett is volunteering. However, he also has some strong opinions about Poirier’s retirement plans.
“Well he said something about me the other day, didn’t he? Saying that it’s legends only, and said he thinks Chandler will beat me,” Pimblett told ESPN. “I think he should have more than one fight, he looked good in his last fight. I don’t understand why you’d retire when you look good, but he must be an idiot. But yeah, I think I beat Dustin Poirier, so I’d love to fight him.”
Pimblett’s confidence is fueled by his undefeated UFC record and a recent submission victory. He sees a win over Chandler as a crucial step toward bigger opportunities.
“I’m looking forward to beating him, taking his ranking,” Pimblett stated, referring to Chandler. He clearly understands the implications of a victory at UFC 314.
The lightweight division is highly competitive, but Pimblett believes a win over Chandler would open doors to even bigger opportunities. He’s already eyeing potential matchups with former champions, including Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira, as stepping stones to a title shot against Islam Makhachev.
“And then, personally, I think I’m one fight away from a title shot, beat Charles [Oliveira], or Poirier, and I’m there fighting for the belt,” Pimblett declared.
Pimblett’s ambition and his willingness to call out established names are quickly making him a prominent figure in the UFC. Whether he can back up his words against Chandler and potentially Poirier remains to be seen, but “The Baddy” is clearly aiming for the top.
