LAS VEGAS – Paddy Pimblett isn’t expecting to get any credit with a win at UFC 314.
Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 6-0 UFC) draws his most notable name to date when he takes on former UFC title challenger Michael Chandler (23-9 MMA, 2-4 UFC) in a five-round lightweight co-main event April 12 at Kaseya Center in Miami (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN/Disney+, ESPN+).
Unbeaten in the octagon, Pimblett was asked if a win over Chandler will turn him from prospect to title contender.
“Every fight, I get underestimated and overlooked,” Pimblett said during Friday’s UFC 314 pre-fight 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 sh*t – but they will. The goal posts always get moved when I win. People will start saying stuff. But I’m going to be ranked No. 7 once this fight’s over, and I will be in title contention.”
Pimblett was asked who he’d rather be champion when he makes his way to title contention; Islam Makhachev, who currently holds the lightweight belt, or his rival Ilia Topuria.
“Islam Makhachev,” Pimblett said. “I don’t think (Topuria) gets near him. After I beat Chandler, I’d love to fight Ilia next, but we’ll see what happens. I’d love to fight (Dustin) Poirier. I’d love to fight (Charles) Oliveira. I just want to fight someone who will get me a title fight, because obviously that’s what we do this for.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 314.
