No person has extra using on an consequence at UFC 314 than Michael Chandler as he appears to be like to bounce again from two straight losses dealing with off towards a lower-ranked opponent in Paddy Pimblett.
That’s in line with UFC legend Matt Brown, who sees Chandler because the athlete within the largest do-or-die state of affairs heading into Saturday’s card because of the circumstances surrounding his UFC profession. Regardless of incomes bonuses in 5 out of his six appearances within the promotion, and placing on three separate Battle of the Night time performances, Chandler nonetheless boasts a 2-4 report general, and at 38 years outdated, he can in poor health afford to fall to a considerably unproven prospect like Pimblett.
“We actually don’t like utilizing that time period and we attempt to avoid it however this one I simply can’t see it being something aside from do-or-die for him,” Brown stated about Chandler on the newest episode of The Fighter vs. The Author. “Whether or not die, I suppose perhaps isn’t the best phrase, however he stated it very clearly himself earlier than it’s a title or nothing. I’m not right here to struggle guys, simply to earn cash or no matter.
“The issue with Michael Chandler, he doesn’t have a top quality win within the UFC. I imply you can debatably say Dan Hooker. How top quality of a win was Dan Hooker at the moment? I believe [Dan Hooker has] been on a streak, and he’s lastly come into his personal since then. I believe it will be a better high quality win right now than it was then however Tony Ferguson isn’t a top quality win. I don’t suppose anyone’s going to argue that.”
Whereas Brown isn’t precisely certain what a win over Pimblett does for Chandler’s profession, he is aware of {that a} loss could be completely devastating.
Chandler might not have an impeccable report within the UFC however his 4 losses got here to a 3 former champions in Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Charles Oliveira (twice). Pimblett might finally develop right into a championship degree competitor, however he’s nowhere close to these three fighters when it comes to his general accomplishments proper now.
That’s why Brown believes Chandler has to exit and deal with Pimblett in spectacular style as a result of his mantra since arriving within the UFC has been solely centered on turning into champion. Shedding at UFC 314 successfully removes Chandler from that dialog — presumably for the remainder of his profession.
“We will nearly take away the title Paddy Pimblett from it. You possibly can’t lose to the No. 15 man,” Brown stated. “Paddy, with all due respect he’s good, I don’t need to take away the credit score. He’s higher I believe than all of us thought he was. He was speaking some loopy shit, and he’s carried out very effectively, he’s improved each time. I’ve been very essential of loads of issues Paddy Pimblett associated. Like the way in which he places on the burden and among the silly issues he says and the way in which he carries himself. There’s undoubtedly so much to criticize on him, however he’s went out and carried out.
“I don’t like essentially saying you may’t lose to Paddy Pimblett. No, you may’t lose to the No. 15 man or No. 14 man, no matter that man’s title is.”
Reality be instructed, Brown isn’t sure that Chandler completely deserves to be listed alongside the perfect lightweights within the sport based mostly solely on his accomplishments within the UFC. However regardless, Chandler nonetheless occupies a spot within the high 10, and that’s what Pimblett desires to remove from him.
“I don’t understand how Michael Chandler is within the high 10,” Brown stated. “I really like Michael Chandler, I’m not hating on him in any respect however most individuals need to win fights to get into the highest 10. He simply didn’t. Generally the rankings are sort of odd. They’re subjective, probably not goal. However regardless, my level is we’re going to search out out so much about Paddy Pimblett as a result of that is undoubtedly the hardest man that he’s fought.
“If Paddy goes on the market and beats Michael Chandler, that completely f*cking propels this child. He’s most likely a fundamental occasion subsequent.”
As for Chandler, if he can’t get previous Pimblett on Saturday, Brown simply doesn’t see a transparent path for him to get again to the highest of the light-weight division, particularly with a rising checklist of contenders vying for that spot with names like Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, and now even Ilia Topuria, competing at 155 kilos.
A loss would actually take a look at Chandler’s resolve with regards to his place within the sport, and Brown can’t assist however marvel if perhaps he may begin taking a look at different pursuits away from the octagon.
“Now it’s your determination: Are you title shot or bust as a result of meaning you’re busted,” Brown stated about Chandler shedding to Pimblett. “The great factor for Michael Chandler is he’s obtained loads of choices. Win or lose this struggle, he’s obtained a terrific model, folks love him. I believe he’d be a tremendous commentator or an analyst, podcast sort man. One thing. He’s actually obtained a superb voice for that sort of stuff. The potential for him is there, the model remains to be there.
“[But] that’s why I’m mentioning podcasting and being an analyst or a commentator. As a result of it’s like if you happen to lose to Paddy Pimblett, you higher begin enthusiastic about what the subsequent profession goes to be or the subsequent path.”
