Paddy Pimblett delivered a career-defining performance at UFC 314 on April 12, 2025, in Miami, defeating Michael Chandler via third-round TKO. On the UFC 314 post-fight show, Dustin Poirier shared his thoughts on Pimblett’s breakout moment and Chandler’s struggles.
Poirier pointed out the pressure Chandler faced.
“I think this whole week what we’ve been talking about his back was against the wall,” he said via MMAFighitng. “We saw him lose again tonight and not just lose but get rolled by a young guy.”
He noted Chandler’s early effort.
“After the first round, he had some success with the takedown, with the wrist ride, just riding him out,” Poirier said.
But Chandler faded quickly.
“He didn’t look like himself in the second. Didn’t look sturdy on his feet. Looked like he was slowing down, which we don’t see him ever slow down in the second round.” He added, “These years catch up to you.”
Pimblett’s Rise to Stardom
Poirier admitted he underestimated Pimblett
“I thought he was a goofy looking guy with a silly haircut that people are kind of getting behind like a fad,” he said. “Like ‘oh this is fun, let’s cheer this goofy looking guy on!’ But when you have a perfect storm like this where you are the goofy guy and you say these things and then you go out there and win fights, you become a massive star in the sport. That’s what he’s doing.”
The Baddy just gets BADDER 🔥
What’s next for @PaddyTheBaddy after #UFC314? pic.twitter.com/SDgJv1eU7f
— UFC (@ufc) April 13, 2025
Poirier now views Pimblett as a top lightweight.
“He went from a prospect to a contender tonight. He’s a lightweight contender now,” he said. Looking ahead, he suggested matchups. “Who doesn’t have a fight right now? Gaethje? Maybe Arman? Oliveira? All fun fights, all great fights. You don’t fight back now. You continue to fight up and go for the title. I think you give him one of those guys.”
Pimblett’s victory shakes up the lightweight division, while Chandler, now 38 and on a three-fight skid, faces questions about his future.
