- Michael Chandler vs. Paddy “the Baddy” Pimblett is the co-main event of UFC 314.
- Chandler is hoping to improve his 2-4 UFC record by handing Pimblett his first loss in this promotion.
- Betting odds favor Paddy the Baddy, but our prediction is that a surprise might happen.
Michael Chandler vs. Paddy the Baddy is bound to be a real banger as both fighters have huge motivation for the UFC 314 co-main event.
This is Chandler’s last chance to prove that he’s more than just another former Bellator star. For Paddy the Baddy, this is the biggest fight of his career. So, expect a bloodbath on April 12!
- Where: Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida
- When: Saturday, April 12, 10 pm ET
- How to Watch: PPV
FighterOddsMichael Chandler+135Paddy the Baddy-160
Michael Chandler (23-9) is a major MMA name, but most of his success happened during his Bellator MMA days. Since joining the UFC in 2021, he’s 2-4, which has been raising some eyebrows.
In fact, his negative score in the UFC is probably the No. 1 reason why he’s got plus-money odds in the UFC 314 co-main event. There’s a caveat, however.
He’s only faced top-tier competition since becoming a part of the UFC family. He made an explosive debut with a TKO win over Dan Hooker and later delivered a highlight-reel KO against Tony Ferguson.
However, he’s also suffered losses to Charles Oliveira (TKO and decision), Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier.
Before the UFC, Chandler was Bellator’s lightweight champion and widely regarded as the best 155-pounder outside Dana White’s promotion.
His wrestling is elite – thanks to his NCAA Division I background – and he holds a black belt in jiu-jitsu.
But he loves to strike, landing 4.49 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 4.30. His durability is unreal, and based on recent training footage, he’s ready for a grueling battle at UFC 314.
The bad news for Chandler is that the same applies to Paddy Pimblett (22-3). The Englishman is 6-0 in the UFC, but the fact is that he hasn’t faced elite competition.
READ ALSO: UFC 314: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes Preview, Odds, Prediction
His best win was a submission over Bobby “King” Green last year, but this guy just isn’t on Chandler’s level. He also beat Tony Ferguson, but El Cucuy was on a six-fight skid.
For all these reasons, the Chandler vs. Pimblett fight could be the career-defining bout for Paddy the Baddy. So, rather than going all-in straight away, he’ll probably decide to fight smart. But will this work out for him?
Our top prediction for the UFC 314 co-main event is that it will go the distance. Both fighters are aware of this bout’s importance, so expect them to take a more tactical approach than usual.
We predict there will be a lot of wrestling, as well as many strike exchanges between the two. But who will do better? We think Chandler. In our eyes, he’s a better fighter than Paddy.
- Michael Chandler by Decision
