The idea that Michael Chandler breaks the rules during his fights has been addressed by Paddy Pimblett.
Chandler’s confrontation with Charles Oliveira in November 2024 has been cited by some as evidence of his cheating. After losing the fight, Chandler came very close to finishing the former UFC Lightweight Champion, but he was unable to complete the victory. Oliveira was hit in the back of the head by several bullets.
Whether Pimblett believes Chandler intentionally fired those illegal shots has been made public.
Paddy Pimblett on the History of “Cheating” by Michael Chandler
Paddy Pimblett expressed his opinion that Michael Chandler knew he was punching Charles Oliveira illegally in an interview with UFC play-by-play expert Jon Anik (via MMAFighting).
“If you’re not cheating, you’re not trying,” Pimblett said about Chandler when speaking to UFC play-by-play man Jon Anik. “You know what I mean? That’s on the ref. If he’s just throwing hammer fists at the back of Charles Oliveira’s head, Charles had the need to move his head or the ref needs to say something to him.
“I did watch that fight. He does hammer fist him about 12 times to the back of the head and he knows what he’s doing!”
Pimblett continued by saying that he would have informed the referee that he was overlooking obvious fouls if he had been in Oliveira’s shoes. “The Baddy” added that he is aware that he must be ready for Chandler’s blitzing approach when they square off on April 12 at UFC 314. Pimblett is confident that he can achieve a submission finish and that he will make good use of his distance.
“The Baddy” doesn’t expect Chandler to shoot in for takedowns. If the fight remains on the feet, Pimblett believes he can stop the former three-time Bellator champion with leg kicks alone.
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