Michael Chandler`s hopes for a future fight with Conor McGregor appear to be dashed after a tough loss to Paddy Pimblett.
The popular fighter suffered his third consecutive loss in the co-main event of UFC 314 in Miami early Sunday morning.
The former Bellator lightweight champion, with three title reigns, suffered a bloody TKO loss in the fourth round to Pimblett, fighting out of Liverpool. The event was held at a packed Kaseya Center.
This victory is the most significant in Pimblett`s career, potentially placing him in the lightweight title conversation.
After defeating his critics in front of notable figures like President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who were present ringside, Pimblett immediately addressed the top fighters in the division.
In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, he exclaimed, “Anyone else got any questions?”
Early in the first round, Pimblett effectively used leg kicks to keep Chandler at a distance.
This tactic led Chandler to attempt a takedown, which he successfully executed.
However, Chandler couldn`t keep Pimblett grounded, and the fight returned to a stand-up exchange.
Chandler reminded Pimblett of his striking power with a strong counter right hand.
Pimblett continued to utilize low calf kicks at the start of the second round, further damaging Chandler`s lead leg.
The fight was briefly paused when Chandler accidentally struck Pimblett with a front kick to the groin as Pimblett attempted a kick of his own.
After the fight resumed, Chandler secured another takedown and briefly gained back control of Pimblett.
But he lost his position, slipping and ending up on the ground.
Pimblett seized the opportunity to improve his position, transitioning and attempting several submissions.
Just before the round concluded, he landed elbows on Chandler while controlling him with a body triangle.
Early in the third round, Pimblett landed a spectacular counter flying knee, opening a large cut on Chandler.
Pimblett immediately pressed for a finish but chose not to overextend himself, securing a takedown instead.
He then unleashed a series of heavy strikes on a hurt and bleeding Chandler, transitioning effectively.
The referee stopped the fight, confirming Pimblett as a legitimate contender in the 155lb lightweight division.
An energized Pimblett, whose victory cost Conor McGregor £386k (originally stated as $500k bet), stated, “Anyone in the top four or top five.”
“I want that world title.”
He added, “I want Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, or that little posh boy Arman Tsarukyan.”
Despite not directly calling out McGregor, Pimblett is now likely on McGregor`s radar.
McGregor, 36, had mentioned earlier in the week that he was interested in fighting the winner of this match.
However, he anticipated a Chandler victory, even betting $500,000 on Chandler to win.
In a pre-fight video on Instagram, McGregor said, “The fight I`m interested in is Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett.”
“And I`m going with Michael Chandler to win, and win by KO.”
“Though Paddy has shown improvement in his recent fights, I still favor Chandler to win. Let`s go, boys.”
Chandler`s future appears uncertain after this third straight defeat.
Visibly upset after the fight stoppage, he immediately exited the octagon.
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