Paddy Pimblett has just put the entire lightweight division on notice. In a strong co-main event performance at UFC 314, the proud Scouser blasted through Michael Chandler in a one-sided beating that finished with a nasty ground-and-pound TKO in the third round. What began as a collision of youth and experience rapidly transformed into a showcase for Pimblett’s evolution—his striking, poise, and fight IQ were all on full display as he took ‘Iron’ apart. But it was what came after the fight that had fans buzzing.
Pimblett, who is 7-0 in the UFC and has recently defeated veterans such as Tony Ferguson and Bobby Green, used the post-fight interview to call out the largest fish in the pond—Islam Makhachev. “I want that world title,” he said without hesitation. And it wasn’t all talk. Belal Muhammad, a UFC welterweight contender, quickly endorsed the idea, tweeting: “Islam got a new contender.” Well, it looks like he has caught the attention of some major names now who surely would help him strengthen his case in front of Dana White to give him the title shot.
After all, ‘The Baddy’ fought from the start as if he had something to prove to himself. Chandler hit a number of his trademark hits and earned a couple of takedowns, but everything was reactive. Paddy Pimblett stuffed shots, lit him up with leg kicks, and even absorbed a low hit without losing momentum. Once on top, he ripped Michael Chandler open with a soaring knee, secured mount, and rained down elbows and punches.’Iron’ was bruised, fatigued, and outmatched by the time the referee entered the picture to call it an end.
Islam got a new contender
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) April 13, 2025
Still, Paddy Pimblett was not satisfied with just one name. He also threw down the gauntlet to Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, and Charles Oliveira, indicating that the youngster with the quirky hair and larger-than-life attitude is now a major concern for anyone with a number next to their name. But for now, it would be interesting to see if Islam Makhachev gets to fight ‘The Baddy,’ especially after his dear friend Muhammad backed the new possible contender. This is a developing story.
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