'Ferocious' Michael Chandler unsure Paddy Pimblett can handle deep waters at UFC 314

Michael Chandler plans on dragging Paddy Pimblett to uncharted territory at UFC 314.

Chandler (23-9 MMA, 2-4 UFC) meets rising lightweight contender Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 6-0 UFC) in a five-round co-main event April 12 at Kaseya Center in Miami (ESPN+ pay-per-view).

Chandler is a fan of Pimblett and the way he’s marketed himself, but puts various asterisks on some of his UFC wins. Having prepped for 11 title fights at Bellator and two five-round fights in the UFC, Chandler says Pimblett is in for a rude awakening.

“Obviously in his UFC debut, he got dropped,” Chandler told ESPN. “(He) had some adversity there, was able to come back. I think the Jared Gordon fight, he lost that fight. I do think he was fading in the Tony Ferguson fight, and now he’s locked into the cage for 25 minutes against one of the most ferocious guys in the lightweight division. I can fight 50 minutes, let alone 25 minutes.

“I just fought Charles Oliveira, one of the greatest to ever do it, for 25 minutes at Madison Square Garden. These are going to be deep waters that he’s never been in before. … This is my third or fourth time training for a five-round fight in the UFC. I’m comfortable in the deep waters. I prepare perfectly. It’s going to be a whole different ball game when you’re locked in there for 25 minutes.”

Chandler envisions an early finish, and sees his power being too much for Pimblett’s durable chin.

“The Paddy train stops in Miami, and he’s going to have to go back to the drawing board,” Chandler said. “He’s a great dude, but I plan on landing some big punches and finishing him early.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 314.