Michael Chandler says Paddy Pimblett is not at the level of his former opponents

Michael chandler in a post-event interview. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC

Close to turning 39 and in the midst of preparing to face an opponent nine years younger in the co-main event of the UFC 314, the career of Michael chandler admittedly is nearing its end. However, no matter how much Paddy Pimblett poses a threat, the American does not seem to see the English on the same level as his former opponents.

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In an interview with the North American website 'Covers.com' Last week, Chandler compared the skill levels of the athletes he has faced since his UFC debut in January 2021. For him, the Englishman represents a step back in competitiveness.

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“He’s definitely not up there with the guys I’ve faced. You’re talking about the guy who fought the Mount Rushmore of guys in the lightweight division. Justin gaethje, Charles Oliveira, Dustin poirier . A legend in Tony Ferguson. Dan Hooker, now a top five guy – I dispatched him in two and a half minutes. These are tough guys, and I’m not saying Paddy isn’t, but you can still praise Paddy’s skill set and also not put him up there in the ranks of those guys I fought,” he said.

M. Chandler was defeated by J. Gaethje in the UFC 268. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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In addition to talking about Pimblett's skills as a fighter, who has won all six of his fights in the organization so far, the former Bellator lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) took the opportunity to address some aspects that go beyond the octagon. According to him, a victory against the Englishman could draw the public's attention, due to the opponent's fame.

“You see some guys come into the UFC and their first fight is against an absolute killer. Paddy has slowly built his resume and strength of schedule and competition, and the UFC is smart to do that. Paddy is a marketable guy, a high-yield dividend stock, if you will. The UFC is a business. They are smart. They know how to put together matchups, and it was only a matter of time before he had a top 10 opponent. And now he can run into a chainsaw called Michael chandler”He concluded.

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