Paddy Pimblett stops bloodied Michael Chandler in dominant victory at UFC 314

has made a resounding statement on the global stage following a career-defining victory over at 314.

Since joining the UFC in 2021, 'The Baddy' has faced numerous challenges. He's often said that the 'goalposts move' after each win, but now he's firmly established himself as a serious contender in the fiercely competitive 155lb division.

After earning consecutive 'Performance of the Night' bonuses for his first three UFC victories against Luigi Vendramini, Rodrigo Vargas, and Jordan Leavitt, it was time for the Liverpudlian to step up from regular Fight Night events to top-tier pay-per-view cards.

However, his 2022 win over Jared Gordon drew widespread criticism, with many arguing that the American had done enough to win on points. Despite the backlash, 'The Baddy' brushed off the negativity and delivered a commanding performance in his next fight against seasoned pro Tony Ferguson before submitting King Green on home turf last year.

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Still, critics claimed his last two wins were against fighters past their prime. In Chandler, the former Bellator champion presented a significant challenge to Pimblett's flawless UFC record. But in true Pimblett style, the rising star shone brightest under the spotlight.

The Liverpudlian fighter wasted no time in taking control of the cage, landing a series of low kicks before switching up inside. Despite his aggressive start, Chandler managed to take the fight to the ground with a well-timed body lock, although he failed to land any significant blows. Surprisingly, it was the lively Scouser who managed to throw some elbows from his back. Pimblett's attempt at a submission didn't pan out, but it was clear that he was eager to put on a show in 'The Magic City. ' Chandler landed a clean cross followed by a left hook, but 'The Baddy' took it well, arguably coming out on top in the first round.

As he got up for the second round, it was clear that 'Iron' had given everything and was starting to tire. Pimblett seemed to feed off this energy as he came out swinging as soon as the second bell rang. The 30 year old Scouse fighter quickly returned to his leg kicks, but the fight was briefly paused due to a brutal low blow from Chandler - not a good look after much discussion about his 'dirty' tactics before the fight.

Despite the discomfort, Pimblett shrugged it off and jumped back into the action, landing a few neat uppercuts. Many had Pimblett pegged as the one likely to take the fight to the ground, yet it was Chandler who managed to swiftly take his rival down several times. Nonetheless, Liverpool's own fought back valiantly, attempting a crafty arm-triangle, moving into mount, and delivering some heavy blows.

Chandler barely survived to hear the buzzer, but his reprieve wouldn't last long. The title rounds beckoned, and Pimblett was not about to waste his chance. He unleashed a devastating knee that found its mark on Chandler, followed by a precise flurry of strikes. 'The Baddy' then executed a slick single-leg takedown, sending the battle to the canvas. Chandler's face bore the brunt of the onslaught, bloodied and trapped beneath Pimblett, his situation worsened by every passing second. Pimblett sought the rear naked choke before pummelling Chandler with hammer fists and punches until the referee had seen enough and called an end to the bout.

Pimblett's undefeated UFC record intact, he leapt up in triumph, basking in the adoration from the Miami audience - enamored by the British fighter's prowess deep in hostile terrain. "Lad, literally everything I have worked with my team, all the fight run-throughs we've done, has just happened here," a jubilant Pimblett exclaimed to Joe Rogan, then proceeded with a number of call-outs.

"This is how we win: we gameplan, we use our fight IQ, and we beat motherf*****s up. [I want] anyone in the top four, top five. I want that title. Laugh all you want. What now? You gang of mushrooms. I want Dustin [Poirier], Justin [Gaethje], Charles [Oliveira] or the little posh boy Arman [Tsarukyan] – any of them four. I respect Dustin, Justin and Charles. Charles is the biggest legend out of them all, and he gets called the best submitting artist the UFC's ever seen. Well, I dispute that, I'm here."

Earlier down the card, Yair Rodriguez showed levels to the game after defeating UFC debutant Patricio Pitbull. The former interim champion's leg kicks from the get-go proved to be too much for Pitbull. Despite dominating proceedings, 'El Pantera' was desperate for a finish and nearly succeeded in the final round after landing a beautiful combination, but had to settle for a victory on points.

Elsewhere on the main card, Jean Silva emerged as a new top contender at featherweight after choking out Bryce Mitchell in the second round. The main card opened with a light-heavyweight banger between Dominick Reyes and Nikita Krylov, with the former going on to stun the Miami crow with a jaw-dropping knockout in the first round.