UFC 314: Paddy Pimblett Sets the Record Straight on Michael Chandler’s Cheating Claims

Paddy Pimblett isn’t bothered by Michael Chandler’s reputation for bending the rules as they gear up for their five-round co-main event at UFC 314 in April.

Pimblett recently responded to claims from Chandler’s past foes, like Justin Gaethje, who said “pretty much everything” Chandler does illegally in fights warrants point deductions, and Dustin Poirier, who has criticized Chandler for slipping fingers into his mouth during their 2022 clash. Rather than worrying, Pimblett blames referees for not stepping in and even sees Chandler’s tactics as a sign of effort.

“If you’re not cheating, you’re not trying,” Pimblett told UFC commentator Jon Anik. “You know what I mean? That’s on the ref. If he’s just throwing hammer fists at the back of Charles Oliveira’s head, Charles had the need to move his head or the ref needs to say something to him.

“I did watch that fight. He does hammer fist him about 12 times to the back of the head and he knows what he’s doing!”

Pimblett also thinks Oliveira should’ve reacted during their November bout, where Chandler landed questionable blows to the back of the head late in the fight, yet the referee stayed silent. “If I was in that position and I’m Charles, I’m saying ref, what are you doing here?” Pimblett said. “Like that was some bad refereeing right there.”

The Poirier incident was a different story—Poirier admitted to biting Chandler’s fingers when they ended up in his mouth, joking he’d have severed one without his mouthguard. Pimblett vows to follow suit if Chandler tries it at UFC 314. “Obviously, I’ve seen the Poirier one as well,” Pimblett said. “Poirier saying he tried to fish hook him to get the choke and stuff like that. I’ll do the same thing as Poirier if that happens. I’ll bite his fingers, try to cut it off with my teeth.”

Despite Chandler’s notoriety for occasionally crossing the line, Pimblett isn’t fazed about it affecting their fight. In fact, he might even respect Chandler’s win-at-all-costs mentality. “I always say if you’re not cheating, you’re not trying,” Pimblett said with a laugh.

When it comes to predicting the outcome, Pimblett is confident in victory but unsure of the method. He expects Chandler to charge in hunting for a knockout, which could leave openings for Pimblett to capitalize. “He comes out and he tries to absolutely take your head off, swinging overhands, left hooks and that’s all anyone’s tried to do against me and knock me out and no one’s ever knocked me out,” Pimblett said. “Michael Chandler’s not going to be the first person to.

“Just like last time, I think I’m going to keep him on the end of my range, I’m going to kick him, frustrate him, and I do think I could land the knockout blow as he steps in. Like a punch, a knee, a kick, an elbow, and as he steps in, he leans all of his weight forward and leans into a shot, I think I could knock him out. I also think I could TKO him with leg kicks. I don’t think he’s going to try and take me down. He knows I’ll submit him.”