Charles Oliveira, a former UFC lightweight champ, has a lot to say about the big fight between Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 on April 12, 2025, in Miami. In a chat with Oddspedia on March 17, 2025, he shared his take on who’s got the edge in this five-round co-main event at Kaseya Center. Oliveira respects Chandler’s explosive punches but thinks Paddy’s youth and skills could turn the tide if it drags on. He’s watching close because a win for Paddy might mean they’ll tangle someday.
Chandler’s Fast Start
Oliveira knows Chandler brings the heat.
“Michael Chandler is a very aggressive and explosive guy. I have nothing but respect for him. He has power in his hands,” Oliveira said in an interview with online sportsbook Oddspedia. “On the other side, you have a younger guy that believes in himself, moves very well and has really good jiu-jitsu and also a good standup game. He moves well, but experience counts for a lot.”
He says Chandler’s got a real shot to knock Paddy out in the first two rounds with that wild energy.
Paddy’s Long Game
If the fight stretches past round two, Oliveira’s betting on Paddy.
“In the first two rounds, Chandler has a chance to knock him out because of how explosive he is. But if the fight goes into the third round, I believe it’s going to be hard for Chandler because Paddy is younger, and he’s very talented,” he said.
Paddy’s slick moves, solid jiu-jitsu, and stamina could wear Chandler down late. Oliveira’s seen enough fights to know age and freshness matter when the clock ticks on.
Paddy on Oliveira’s Radar
Oliveira’s got his eye on Paddy for more than just this fight.
“I’ve been watching Paddy Pimblett for a while,” Oliveira said. “He talks a lot, and the people at the UFC love that, but right now he has a really important fight coming up, and it’s going to be a really tough test. If he keeps climbing the ranks then we are going to fight, that’s for sure.”
Paddy’s big mouth and rising star power make him a future target if he beats Chandler.
Michael Chandler, 38, is a former Bellator champ with a 2 and 4 UFC record since 2021. He’s got knockout wins over Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson but lost to Oliveira twice, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier. His last fight was a loss to Oliveira in November 2024 at UFC 309.
Paddy Pimblett, 30, is an English fighter with a perfect 6 and 0 UFC run since 2022, four by stoppage. He’s ranked 12 in lightweight and known for trash talk and flair. This is his biggest test yet against number 7 Chandler.
