Michael Chandler has spoken out for the first time following his TKO loss to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 in Miami, addressing the challenges he faced during the fight and the impact of Pimblett’s strategy. The veteran lightweight highlighted difficulties in finding his rhythm and maintaining range, while commending Pimblett’s skillful distance control throughout the bout.

The UK fighter, Pimblett, delivered a precise game plan that outmatched Chandler, securing his seventh consecutive UFC win and firmly placing himself within the lightweight division’s top 10 rankings. Despite battling a lingering knee injury, Chandler pushed through training and accepted the fight, though he now questions whether taking it on so soon was the best choice. Nevertheless, he expressed no regrets about competing.

Chandler Details Struggles with Pimblett’s Fighting Style and Injury

In a recent discussion with MMA Junkie, Chandler explained how Pimblett’s unique approach disrupted his usual fighting tactics. The British MMA star’s long range, constant kicks, and high guard made it difficult for Chandler to settle into the fight’s rhythm or find effective range. Chandler recalled a critical moment when a knee struck his face followed by a takedown, which led to the bout’s conclusion.

“I feel like I couldn’t get my rhythm. I couldn’t get my range. Paddy fights long, he fights with his chin way up in the air, and he’s pretty far away from you. Throws a lot of kicks to keep the distance, and I felt like I was just kind of getting settled in and obviously, took the knee to the face, and then got taken down, and that was the end of it. It’s one of those deals where you learn. Hat’s off to Paddy, he had a great gameplan, went out there and got the win.” —Michael Chandler, UFC Lightweight Fighter

Chandler further reflected on the timing of the fight in relation to his knee recovery. He admitted that although rehab was still needed, he preferred to remain active rather than delay competing. Taking the fight early was his choice alone, and despite the subsequent defeat, he showed a resilient attitude moving forward.

“I was coming off a knee injury that I needed to get some rehab on and some physical therapy and all that stuff. It started feeling better, and I’m the kind of guy where I’d rather just go than sit around and wait, you know? Maybe that was the wrong decision, but I was moving around well in the training camp…The decision to take the fight pretty early was my decision and my decision alone.” —Michael Chandler, UFC Lightweight Fighter

Lightweight Division Faces Significant Changes Following UFC 314

Chandler also commented on the evolving landscape of the UFC lightweight division now that Islam Makhachev has moved up to welterweight, leaving the lightweight title vacant. The belt will soon be contested between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria, signaling an intense period of competition in the division.

He pointed out multiple factors contributing to the reshuffling, including Topuria and Max Holloway’s arrivals, Dustin Poirier’s impending retirement, and the steady presence of fighters such as Justin Gaethje and Pimblett. These developments create an air of unpredictability and increased competition among contenders.

“I’m not surprised at all the craziness that’s happening. I’m happy Ilia came up to 155, I’m happy Max is at 155. You got Poirier leaving the sport here in the next six weeks or whatever it is, which is crazy. You got Gaethje, you got Paddy… There’s a bunch of different stuff going on. So I’ll be caged for that fight to watch it, and we’ll see how it plays out.” —Michael Chandler, UFC Lightweight Fighter

The future of the lightweight division now hinges on the outcome of Oliveira versus Topuria, and how new and existing fighters adapt to this rapidly shifting environment. Chandler’s experience and insights highlight the challenges athletes face when injuries and strategic matchups collide in high-stakes contests like UFC 314.