Jon Anik is impressed with Paddy Pimblett’s mentality going into the UFC 314 co-main event against Michael Chandler.
After taking a slow build to begin his octagon tenure, former Cage Warriors champion Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 6-0 UFC) will be tested unlike before when he meets former three-time Bellator titleholder and former UFC title challenger Chandler (23-9 MMA, 2-4 UFC) in a five-round lightweight bout Saturday at Kaseya Center in Miami (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN/Disney+, ESPN+).
A little more than a month prior to the event, lead UFC play-by-play commentator Anik, who will be cageside with Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier at UFC 314, had a lengthy sitdown with Pimblett to dig into the mindset of “The Baddy” going into fight night. Anik said his biggest takeaway from their conversation was a new appreciation from Pimblett about where he sits in the 155-pound title picture and where beating Chandler would position him going forward.
“He’s loose as a goose, and he’s ready to challenge against the elite fighters,” Anik told MMA Junkie. “He could’ve come to the UFC when (former matchmaker) Joe Silva called when he was 21, could’ve come when he was 23 years of age, but he bided his time, came at the right time. Then some people believe Sean O’Malley was thrust into a world championship opportunity. He beat Petr Yan. Paddy Pimblett could easily try to parlay a win over Michael Chandler into a championship opportunity. Instead, though, he’s talking about beating Chandler and then having to get through either Charles Oliveira or Dustin Poirier.
“A lot of fans would maybe bat an eye at a matchup between Paddy Pimblett and Charles Oliveira, and I think that might be the toughest guy for him to beat other than Islam Makhachev. But Paddy believes in himself, believes in his skills. He’s an outstanding athlete and has a lot of different ways he can put you away with strikes and with chokes. He is not looking to fast-track this thing or get past the No. 1 contender type. That was my biggest takeaway – that he has a real understanding of what the trajectory would be, that he’s going to have to beat Chandler then maybe beat Charles. And then in theory, if he can do those things – big ifs, yes – but he would be ready for Islam (Makhachev).”
Pimblett facing massive stakes at UFC 314
Although he’s had a tumultuous relationship with fans at times, there’s no doubt Pimblett is a magnetic figure at a time when the UFC is in need. He can be polarizing but has created a brand where he either has diehard supporters or determined critics.
Anik said that’s an essential ingredient to reach the pinnacle of the sport in terms of being a draw. Pimblett has laid the foundation, and Anik said if the results continuing to follow against opponents with biggest names and greater accolades, then Pimblett’s star power will be impossible to deny.
“All Paddy Pimblett has to do is get to a title fight to be a global superstar,” Anik said. “He doesn’t have to win the championship. (He) just has to win these next two fights. If he can beat Michael Chandler, superstar status might be attained. Beating Charles (Oliveira)? Holy f*ck.”
To hear more from Anik, check out his complete appearance on “The Bohnfire” podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 314.
