Michael Chandler Plans to Be Composed Against Paddy Pimblett

Michael Chandler is taking a slightly different approach going into his fight against Paddy Pimblett.

Chandler will take on Pimblett at UFC 314 on Saturday at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. While Chandler is known for his entertaining style, it has now cost him four out of six UFC outings. However, Chandler’s latest loss against Charles Oliveira hit him different.

Chandler claims to have felt the lowest after dropping a split decision against “Do Bronx” at UFC 309 last November. But “Iron” also felt good about being more composed and measured in that fight.

“I feel like I was more let down in my entire career than any other fight in this last fight with Charles Oliveira,” Chandler told Teddy Atlas. “But I saw glimpses of more composure in that fight… There was a loss, but there was a growth in that fight. So it’s hard because your heart says ‘You lost, therefore you’re not good enough.’ But if I use my brain, I think I made some very good veteran decisions…I felt more alive, more composed and more comfortable in there.”

Chandler believes he is a fan favorite because he often puts himself in vulnerable positions without caring about the outcome. While he doesn’t mind walking away with performance bonuses more often than not, Chandler really wants to win against “The Baddy.” The former Bellator MMA star vows to be measured against the Liverpudlian, but with his proven knockout power.

“I think people enjoy watching me because they can tell that I might make a bad decision, and I don’t care what the repercussions are,” Chandler said. “Is that smart? Probably not. But it’s also why I end up with ‘Fight of the Night.’ But I want to win. And I think on April 12, we’re gonna see a little bit more of a calculative guy with big heavy, heavy shots.”