UFC bantamweight star Sean O’Malley is thrilled about the upcoming showdown between Paddy Pimblett and Michael Chandler, scheduled for April 12, 2025, at UFC 314 in Miami. The 30-year-old sees it as a fascinating matchup that’s got the MMA community talking. He respects Chandler’s guts for taking the fight and believes a win over Pimblett would be a significant achievement, given Paddy’s undeniable talent.
O’Malley said:
“Paddy versus Michael Chandler is such an interesting fight.” He admires Chandler’s boldness, noting, “Michael Chandler is such a gangster for taking that fight,” and adds, “It’s still a big win if he beats Paddy, maybe not in some people’s eyes, but Paddy is f****** skilled.”
He raved about Pimblett’s last outing, saying:
“What he did to Bobby Green was super…it’s a big fight.”
He also called both fighters tough, stating:
“Michael Chandler is a beast for taking that fight, Paddy’s a beast.” On the outcome, he’s unsure. “I don’t know who wins either,” he said. “I feel like it’s gonna be very competitive.”
Paddy Pimblett, dubbed “The Baddy,” hails from Liverpool, England. The 30-year-old lightweight started training at 15 and turned pro in 2012. He dominated Cage Warriors, snagging the featherweight title before joining the UFC in 2021. Undefeated at 6-0 in the UFC, his latest win was a first-round submission of King Green at UFC 304 in July 2024, earning him the No. 12 spot in the lightweight rankings. Now, he’s gunning for the top 10.
Michael Chandler, known as “Iron,” comes from High Ridge, Missouri. The 38-year-old began MMA in 2009 after wrestling at the University of Missouri. He thrived in Bellator, winning the lightweight title three times with a 23-9 record. Since hitting the UFC in 2021, he’s 2-4, with knockouts over Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson, but losses to Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier keep him at No. 7. After a McGregor fight fell apart, he’s back to make a statement.
O’Malley, born in Helena, Montana, launched his MMA career in 2015. The 29-year-old “Sugar” Sean earned a UFC contract in 2017 through Dana White’s Contender Series and claimed the bantamweight title in 2022 against Petr Yan. His record is 18-2, with losses to Marlon Vera in 2020 (avenged in 2024) and Merab Dvalishvili in September 2024 at UFC 306. He’s still a striking sensation and fan favorite.
Tim Welch Sizes Up Chandler’s Explosive Edge
Coach Tim Welch shared his perspective.
“He could handle it fine, but he’s never been in there with someone that explosive and that athletic,” he said of Pimblett facing Chandler’s power.
O’Malley sees the fight’s purpose for Paddy.
“What he wants to do is climb the rankings. I think that fight makes so much sense,” he explained.
He also praised Pimblett’s abilities, saying:
“He’s very sharp. He’s very skilled and I’m excited for that fight.”
With Pimblett’s slick style and Chandler’s intensity, this matchup is set to ignite Miami.
