“Sat out two years for Conor McGregor” – Dana White throwing rising star Paddy Pimblett against Michael Chandler has fans in splits 

UFC CEO Dana White announces Michael Chandler's next fight against rising lightweight star Paddy Pimblett.

“Sat out two years for Conor McGregor” – Dana White throwing rising star Paddy Pimblett against Michael Chandler has fans in splits 

Michael Chandler to fight Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 (via Imago/X)

Michael Chandler was one regarded as the most suitable opponent for UFC superstar Conor McGregor‘s dream comeback. Chandler was fully committed to the rivalry, but the fight was canceled in the end. Currently, the former Bellator champion is scheduled for his next outing and it is not what the fighter had expected a few years before. 

CEO Dana White recently shared the news about the upcoming UFC 314 fight card, which will take place in Miami, Florida. In the co-main event, Chandler will take on rising lightweight prospect Paddy Pimblett to defend his rankings. It will be a five-round fight and the clash features an aging veteran and a young blood. 

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However, this is not the type of fight Chandler had imagined when he waited for Conor McGregor for two years. Last year, he finally gave up on the idea, and accepted to fight former champion Charles Oliveira. However, the ‘Iron’ failed to go past the wrestling and striking superiority of the Brazilian. 

Irrespective of the loss, Chandler didn’t forget to provide an electrifying promo for the fight fans. It was a classic example of why the American fighter has such an appeal to fight fans. However, that doesn’t protect him from public slander. 

Fight fans react to Michael Chandler facing Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314

Paddy Pimblett has amassed an incredible fan following since he joined UFC. With his fighting style, weird personality, and other antics, Pimblett makes sure to keep his eyes on himself. He has already picked up dominating victories over UFC veterans such as Bobby Green and Tony Ferguson. 

Michael Chandler will take on Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314
Michael Chandler will take on Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 (via X/Imago)

UFC is well aware of this hype and doesn’t shy away from promoting the British fighter. Michael Chandler had talked about not fighting Pimblett, and was more focused on Arman Tsarukyan. However, the UFC had other plans, which brought much reactions from the MMA community.

As expected fight fans made fun of Chandler for fighting someone like Paddy Pimblett. However, many fans are excited about how the clash might go in the future. Given the current form of Chandler, some have speculated a potential loss for the fighter.