“I want to stop getting called a prospect and start getting called a contender. So, that’s the goal and the goal is to become a world champion,” Paddy Pimblett revealed in a UFC 314 interview that he’s ready to move beyond being just another contender and firmly believes it’s time for him to ascend his game and chase after his ultimate goal—the lightweight championship. Pimblett is preparing to face the biggest challenge of his career against Michael Chandler at UFC 314 and the Scouser is beaming with confidence, predicting that he’ll take down the juggernaut in just two rounds.

‘The Baddy’ is currently on a six-fight winning streak and has demonstrated absolute dominance against King Green, finishing him with a triangle choke in the first round. While he has always had solid striking skills, his ability to secure submissions has significantly improved. His last knockout victory was against Luigi Vendramini in 2021, and since then, all of his finishes have come via submission. Pimblett showcased his grappling skills in his fight against Tony Ferguson, further proving his proficiency in this area. Whether on the ground or standing, ‘The Baddy’ believes Michael Chandler will be finished in two rounds.

In an interview with TNT Sport, Pimblett said, “I think it works out well for me. I’ve seen him, say he thinks it works out well for him. So, you know we’re both going into this very confident. I think he’s just going to come in to take my head off like he does with everyone. So, throw big left hooks, big overhand rights. But, I’ll be able to keep him in the end of my punches. Keep him at the end of my kicks. I don’t think he’ll wrestle, because he knows I’ll submit him. But, if we end up on the floor, I think it’ll be over pretty quick, I’ll submit him. I think he’ll be done in two, like maybe submission round 2.”

Pimblett always struck people as a brash kid from Liverpool, known for his humorous persona and undeniable fighting talent. His obsession with food and distinctive Liverpool accent only added to intrigue, leading some to doubt whether he had what it took to be a championship contender. However, the controversial win against Jared Gordon marked a turning point for him, sparking a change that seemed to reshape the approach.

‘The Baddy’ is aware that a win over Michael Chander will put him in the title conversation. It might be too early for him to get a crack at the championship at the moment, but a UFC legend believes Pimblett has enough skills to become one.

Demetrious Johnson thinks Paddy Pimblett can become a champion in the future

Paddy Pimblett’s recent performances against his high-profile opponents captivated the fans quite a bit. As the Scouser keeps improving his rigorous form inside the Octagon, the belief is getting stronger that greatness is not too far from him. His fans were already behind this idea, but now, former UFC fighters and pundits are also implying the same.

Demetrious Johnson after retiring from this sport became very active on his YouTube channel. While breaking down Pimblett’s Cage Warrior videos, the former flyweight champion optimistically said, “I think one day he will be a champion. If he doesn’t become champion, it’ll be like one of the guys who were really good and never became champion, like a Urijah Faber or Joseph Benavidez. He does everything right, in this fight, in this time of his career, and when he fought Bobby Green.”

What do you think? Can Paddy Pimblett defeat Michael Chandler at UFC 314? Please leave a comment down below.