Paddy Pimblett reacts to Michael Chandler cheating claims

LONDON – Paddy Pimblett addressed accusations of Michael Chandler not being a clear fighter.

Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 6-0 UFC) meets former title challenger Chandler (23-9 MMA, 2-4 UFC) at UFC 314 on April 12 in Miami (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN/Disney+, ESPN+).

Chandler’s in-fight antics have been known as out by his former opponents Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira. Poirier known as Chandler a grimy fighter after accusing him of fish hooking his mouth whereas he had him in a rear-naked choke of their UFC 281 combat. He additionally complained about getting hit on the again of the top, and claimed that Chandler was purposely taking pictures out blood from his nostril on him.

Oliveira additionally accused Chandler of repeatedly putting him behind the top throughout their UFC 309 rematch. When Pimblett was requested about Chandler’s antics in opposition to Oliveira, he put the blame on referee Keith Peterson, who was officiating the bout.

“Effectively, it’s not going to get to spherical 5,” Pimblett stated at a UFC fan Q&A previous to Friday’s UFC Combat Night time 255 weigh-ins at The O2. “He’s going to be completed earlier than that. It’s not on me, lad. It’s on the referee. what I imply? The referee was fairly gradual within the Charles Oliveira combat and he didn’t cease him, so Chandler simply saved hammer-fisting the again of his head. It’s on the referee.”

Chandler has usually been criticized for not using his embellished wrestling background in fights, however Pimblett doesn’t see him even making an attempt.

“His huge overhand proper and his left hook (is what I’ve to be careful for),” Pimblett stated. “He’s explosive, and he’s going to attempt to take my head off, and that’s what we’re making ready for. We’re prepared for it. I don’t suppose he’s going to shoot any takedowns as a result of he is aware of I’ll submit him.”