‘Shape of my life’ – Paddy Pimblett sends final Michael Chandler message as he looks shredded one week from UFC 314 fight
Paddy Pimblett has told Michael Chandler to be ready for the best version of himself ahead of UFC 314. Pimblett faces Chandler in the toughest test of his career so far at UFC 314 on Saturday night. Pimblett can move into the top 10 UFC lightweight rankings with a win over ChandlerGetty The 30-year-old Liverpudlian has shot to UFC stardom since making his promotional debut in September 2021 and knows that a victory over the No.8-ranked lightweight could have huge ramifications on his dreams to win a world title. ‘The Baddy’ is undefeated in the UFC having picked up notable victories over names like Tony Ferguson and King Green, who he impressively submitted last July in Manchester in his last fight to date. Pimblett has described a ‘new found source of inspiration and motivation’ following the birth of his twin girls three months before his latest victory, which has led to him remaining inactive in the Octagon since. In an Instagram post on Saturday, Pimblett sent one last message to his American opponent before flying out to Miami for his massive UFC 314 co-main event bout. “Fight sim smashed 5x5s in the bank raring to go next week!” Pimblett wrote. “Ready for five rounds even though this fight isn’t going the distance. “Can’t thank the team enough for the best didn’t camp we’ve ever done… all my training partners for getting me the fittest and strongest I’ve ever been. “I really am in the shape of my life! Chandler ain’t ready people believe that!“ Pimblett, who is known for his fluctuating weight between fight camps, has continued to impress fans with his physique ahead of UFC 314. Last month, he offered fans a glimpse into his rigorous preparations and many were left impressed as the Liverpool man flexed a brilliant physical condition. Pimblett said he feels the strongest and fittest he’s ever beentheufcbaddy - Instagram He is next in action at UFC 314 next weekendGETTY Those same fans were left in awe following Pimblett’s latest update. “You look in great shape, you have the heart and ability to rip him to shreds YNWA [You’ll Never Walk Alone],” one fan responded, referring to Pimblett’s favourite football team Liverpool FC. Another added: “Unreal shape,” while a third simply said: “The abs.” A fourth wrote: “I’m impressed every time he does this.” Chandler, meanwhile, is eight years Pimblett’s senior and will be relying on his three-year pro experience advantage heading into their five-round fight. ‘Iron’ has mixed it with the best fighters in the world, having challenged Charles Oliveira for the UFC lightweight title in 2021. Chandler tasted defeat against Oliveira at UFC 309 in NovemberGetty His knockout of Tony Ferguson at UFC 274 is viewed as one of the best everUSA Today Sports He fought Oliveira again last November in his most recent appearance at UFC 309, where he lost via unanimous decision. The fight only came to fruition after a scheduled bout between Chandler and the returning Conor McGregor collapsed once news emerged that the latter had injured his toe in training. Chandler and McGregor were coaches on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter and have yet to settle their differences in the Octagon, which is typically how the reality TV series ends. Pimblett started training martial arts in January 2010 at Next Generation MMA in Liverpool, where he remains to date. The gym has produced some of the best British talent in the sport, including Pimblett’s close friend Molly McCann, who retired after her fourth loss in five fights at UFC London last month. Chandler has just one victory in his last five bouts, having lost to Oliveira twice, Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier since his 2021 title fight. His last victory produced a Knockout of the Year when Tony Ferguson was flattened with a brutal front kick at UFC 274 in May 2022.
Paddy Pimblett has told Michael Chandler to be ready for the best version of himself ahead of UFC 314.
Pimblett faces Chandler in the toughest test of his career so far at UFC 314 on Saturday night.
The 30-year-old Liverpudlian has shot to UFC stardom since making his promotional debut in September 2021 and knows that a victory over the No.8-ranked lightweight could have huge ramifications on his dreams to win a world title.
‘The Baddy’ is undefeated in the UFC having picked up notable victories over names like Tony Ferguson and King Green, who he impressively submitted last July in Manchester in his last fight to date.
Pimblett has described a ‘new found source of inspiration and motivation’ following the birth of his twin girls three months before his latest victory, which has led to him remaining inactive in the Octagon since.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, Pimblett sent one last message to his American opponent before flying out to Miami for his massive UFC 314 co-main event bout.
“Fight sim smashed 5x5s in the bank raring to go next week!” Pimblett wrote.
“Ready for five rounds even though this fight isn’t going the distance.
“Can’t thank the team enough for the best didn’t camp we’ve ever done… all my training partners for getting me the fittest and strongest I’ve ever been.
“I really am in the shape of my life! Chandler ain’t ready people believe that!“
Pimblett, who is known for his fluctuating weight between fight camps, has continued to impress fans with his physique ahead of UFC 314.
Last month, he offered fans a glimpse into his rigorous preparations and many were left impressed as the Liverpool man flexed a brilliant physical condition.
Those same fans were left in awe following Pimblett’s latest update.
“You look in great shape, you have the heart and ability to rip him to shreds YNWA [You’ll Never Walk Alone],” one fan responded, referring to Pimblett’s favourite football team Liverpool FC.
Another added: “Unreal shape,” while a third simply said: “The abs.”
A fourth wrote: “I’m impressed every time he does this.”
Chandler, meanwhile, is eight years Pimblett’s senior and will be relying on his three-year pro experience advantage heading into their five-round fight.
‘Iron’ has mixed it with the best fighters in the world, having challenged Charles Oliveira for the UFC lightweight title in 2021.
He fought Oliveira again last November in his most recent appearance at UFC 309, where he lost via unanimous decision.
The fight only came to fruition after a scheduled bout between Chandler and the returning Conor McGregor collapsed once news emerged that the latter had injured his toe in training.
Chandler and McGregor were coaches on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter and have yet to settle their differences in the Octagon, which is typically how the reality TV series ends.
Pimblett started training martial arts in January 2010 at Next Generation MMA in Liverpool, where he remains to date.
The gym has produced some of the best British talent in the sport, including Pimblett’s close friend Molly McCann, who retired after her fourth loss in five fights at UFC London last month.
Chandler has just one victory in his last five bouts, having lost to Oliveira twice, Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier since his 2021 title fight.
His last victory produced a Knockout of the Year when Tony Ferguson was flattened with a brutal front kick at UFC 274 in May 2022.
