Sipu Jha
Michael Chandler has stepped into the talk around Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett fight at UFC 324. Speaking in a recent ESPN MMA interview, Michael Chandler shared a bold view. He said Justin Gaethje has the edge, but fans are not giving Paddy Pimblett enough credit. The interim lightweight title fight is set for January 24 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The winner is expected to face Ilia Topuria later this year in a title unification bout. Chandler’s words have added more heat to the matchup.
Michael Chandler explains why Justin Gaethje is the favorite but Paddy Pimblett is still dangerous
Michael Chandler spoke openly while talking to ESPN MMA this week. The former Bellator champion said he believes Justin Gaethje is the better overall fighter going into UFC 324.“More skilled, more experienced, I think the better fighter all around is Justin Gaethje,” Michael Chandler said.But he also made it clear that Paddy Pimblett should not be taken lightly. Michael Chandler said many fans judge Paddy Pimblett by his haircut, jokes, and online style instead of what he does in the cage.“People don’t give Paddy a lot of credit,” Michael Chandler said. “He’s better than a lot of people think.”Michael Chandler fought Paddy Pimblett in April 2025 at UFC 314 in Miami, where Paddy Pimblett won by third-round knockout. Looking back, Michael Chandler said he was not shocked by how tough Paddy Pimblett felt.“He’s got long reach, good kicks, and he stays calm,” he said. “He’s patient and composed.”Even so, Michael Chandler believes Justin Gaethje brings a different level of danger.“Gaethje’s a whole different animal,” he added. “If I had to lean one way, I’d go Justin Gaethje.”Michael Chandler also said Justin Gaethje could beat Ilia Topuria later this year if he wins the interim belt.Earlier this month, Paddy Pimblett shared his own mindset in an interview with Sky Sports, posted by @ChampRDS on X. The Liverpool native said he is ready for a real battle on January 24 in Las Vegas.“I’ve never had a war in all my years of fighting, so I’m looking forward to one,” Paddy Pimblett said.Many fans expect him to wrestle. But he said that is not his plan.“People think I’m just going to shoot right away. I’m not,” he said. “I’m going to stand with him.”Paddy Pimblett called Justin Gaethje more of a boxer with hard leg kicks. He described himself as an MMA striker and said he feels ready to trade shots.Also Read: Paddy Pimblett Delivers Blunt Message To Ilia Topuria As UFC Lightweight Picture Freezes
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