Former Cage Warriors lightweight champion and current UFC lightweight star Paddy Pimblett is oozing confidence right now. As he prepares for his biggest battle against Michael Chandler at  UFC 314, ‘The Baddy’ is already sketching out the plan for his next move to overtake Islam Makhachev’s throne, if all goes his way on April 12. A win over Chandler would elevate Pimblett’s UFC record to 7-0 and push him closer to a fight with the lightweight champ.

The Englishman thinks that by this time next year, he will most definitely be in line to face the Dagestani pound-for-pound #1 fighter. But long before this electrifying showdown, he has to face ‘Iron’ Mike—who, despite his age and turbulent record in UFC, is an entertaining, explosive, and dangerous fighter. Can Pimblett tackle his pressure and experience?

Well, as per UFC Eurosport, the Scouser seems confident and is already planning ahead. He said, “Once I finish Michael Chandler, I’m only gonna need one more fight—like Arman, Charles, or Gaethje, you know what I mean? Someone like that, fight a top 5 and I’ll be able to demand a title shot in 2026.” UFC on Eurosport”

For him, it’s not an “if I finish Chandler,” it’s “once I finish Chandler,” , which just shows how confident the Scouser is against ‘Iron’ Mike. His stance on defeating Chandler has not changed, and he does not have any sliver of doubt that he will have his hand raised. “When I got asked to do a five-round fight, they were not sure if I would say yes,” Pimblett told TNT Sports. “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.”

Yes, Michael Chandler, the ever-entertaining showman, is 8 years older than Paddy Pimblett but he is, by no means, a walk in the park for anyone. The former Bellator champ has fought some of the best fighters in the world, like Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier.

So is Pimblett underestimating Chandler? Well, former lightweight champion Oliveira thinks so because he vouched for his past opponent, who made him suffer two dangerous back slams at UFC 309. “Michael Chandler is a very aggressive and explosive guy. I have nothing but respect for him. He has power in his hands,” Oliveira declared in an interview with Oddspedia. Each fighter is supremely confident of beating the other, and their confidence was on full display when they participated in a joint interview hosted by analysis Karyn Bryant.

Paddy Pimblett and Michael Chandler supremely confident about beating the other

Both fighters think they will be victorious at the end of 5 rounds (or less) inside the cage. Pimblett, in fact, was bold enough to expose his plans right front of his opponent. “He’s fought all the best lightweights in the division for the past five years, but I think I’m gonna make it look easier than they did,” Pimblett stated during an interview with ESPN MMA. “They play into Mike’s style; they stand and brawl with him.” He confidently declared in front of Chandler that no matter where the fight went, he would win.

What did ‘Iron’ Mike say to this? Well, despite not having a specific prediction, he showed immense confidence. “Scousers don’t get knocked out apparently, but they’ve never been hit by the likes of me,” he replied. He also said that he would test the resilience of Pimblett’s chin and would have one of his “feet on Paddy’s throat.” Chandler showed his battle-worn-out fists to the camera and said, “Look at the size of these paws.” However, Pimblett was quick to reply, showing his own rough hand balled into a fist.

While Pimblett had previously admitted that Chandler held the upper hand because of experience, the Liverpool native remained confident in his prowess to turn the tables., If he does win, Pimblett will likely fight  Islam Makhachev if he wins one more fight, this time against someone in the top 5. But this would have to happen soon since Makhachev might move up to the welterweight division shortly. So the question is, will Pimblett make his prediction come true, or will the tables turn in favor of Chandler at UFC 314? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.