Paddy Pimblett eyes 2026 'title shot' after Michael Chandler bout at UFC 314 - 'He is getting finished in two'

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Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett has exclusively revealed to TNT Sports his desired path to a title shot in the UFC lightweight division. The Liverpudlian will fight Michael Chandler next as the undefeated fighter looks to polish his spotless UFC record, before taking on a top-four opponent. After that, he wants a shot at glory. "Everyone can expect a finish come April 12," he said about his next bout.

‘Expect a finish’ – Pimblett promises to KO Chandler, looks to Abu Dhabi in October

Video credit: TNT Sports

Paddy Pimblett is hopeful of securing a UFC title shot in 2026 following his upcoming bout with Michael Chandler.

'The Baddy' from Liverpool will lock horns with Chandler in the co-main event at UFC 314 in April, Pimblett's first fight since a victory over King Green in July.

Not only will he be fighting for a title shot, but he will also hope to protect his spotless record in the UFC with six victories.

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Asked what is next for him, the 30-year-old exclusively outlined his plans to TNT Sports, with a shot at the lightweight title firmly fixed in his mind.

"The plan is to beat Michael Chandler, then fight again in Abu Dhabi in October," the former Cage Warriors fighter said.

"Hopefully I get to fight someone in the top four, top five, and then I can ask for a title shot in 2026."

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Video credit: TNT Sports

Pimblett suggested that he did not hesitate when he was offered a five-round fight against 38-year-old Chandler, despite some doubts over his intentions.

Chandler's last triumph came against Tony Ferguson in 2022, and the American fighter has since been beaten by Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira and holds a 2-4-0 record in the UFC.

"When I got asked to do a five-round fight, they were not sure if I would say yes," he explained.

"But, yeah, obviously, as he is getting finished in two. It does not matter how many it’s scheduled for, everyone can expect a finish come April 12."

Pimblett made light work of Ferguson back in December 2023, the fifth of a six-fight win streak in the UFC.

Pimblett has risen to prominence in the division with victories over Luigi Vendramini, Kazula Vargas, Jordan Leavitt, Jared Gordon, Ferguson and Green.

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