Michael Chandler attributes his loss at UFC 314 against Paddy Pimblet to struggling to find his tempo in the fight.
In the highly-anticipated lightweight bout at UFC 314, Michael "Iron" Chandler suffered a third-round TKO loss to debutant Paddy Pimblett. Contrary to expectations, considering Chandler's history of facing formidable opponents, the outcome left a lasting impression.
In the face of adversity, Chandler graciously acknowledged the brilliance of Pimblett, praising his strategy. "I just couldn't find my rhythm," Chandler admitted to MMA Junkie. "Paddy works at range, keeps his chin high, constantly resets."
During the encounter, Pimblett used his unique long-range fighting style, employing kicks to keep Chandler at a distance and maintaining a high guard, making it challenging for Chandler to close in. "He used a lot of low kicks to keep me at distance," Chandler continued. "I was just starting to adapt - got a knee to the face, then a takedown, and that was it."
Chandler attributed Pimblett's victory to a well-executed plan, expressing his appreciation for the British fighter's performance. "It's a learning experience," Chandler stated. "Hats off to Paddy - he had a great game plan that he executed."
Before the fight, speculation about Chandler's physical condition arose, with whispers about a previous knee injury. However, unlike some fighters might, Chandler brushed off using his injury as an explanation for his defeat, asserting instead that it was a conscious decision to compete.
Looking ahead, "Iron" plans to take the remainder of the year off to fully recover and return to the Octagon in better health.
As for Pimblett, his impressive debut has ignited a buzz within the UFC community, making fans eagerly anticipate his next appearance.
Bookmakers, with Chandler's loss to Pimblett in the sports event, UFC 314, might reconsider his winning odds in future fights. Despite Chandler's formidable sports history, Pimblett's unique fighting style, characterized by a high guard and extensive use of low kicks, has demonstrated he could pose a challenge for even seasoned opponents like Chandler, making him an intriguing contender for bookmakers.
