Get ready, fight fans—Michael Chandler is back! UFC CEO Dana White in his signature style revealed a stacked lineup for upcoming pay-per-view events, and one of the most exciting matchups is Chandler’s return against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314. It’s wild how fast things change in this sport. One moment, Chandler was enjoying a much-needed vacation. The next? He got a call from Hunter Campbell.

“Hey, what do you think about fighting Paddy Pimblett in April?” That was just eight weeks away, but Chandler didn’t hesitate. In an Instagram video, he explained why he agreed to take the fight on relatively short notice. “I like to put down about four weeks of training before I go into an eight-week camp. Let me think about it.” The very next day, he flew to Vegas to meet with the UFC matchmaker. After discussing everything, he made it official: “We’re fighting Paddy Pimblett, Miami, April 12th.”

For Chandler, an imperfect plan now is better than waiting for the perfect scenario. Maybe that mindset comes from his past experience with Conor McGregor, where waiting led to nothing. After suffering one of the most disappointing losses of his career, Chandler is determined to get right back in the Octagon. While driving, he laid out his thoughts on Pimblett: “I love the matchup. I respect Paddy, I think Paddy is a skilled fighter, I think he still has a bright future but I also think he is gonna run into a buzz saw named Michael Chandler on April 12th.”

The former Bellator champ may have come up short against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309, but he’s ready to bounce back in a big way. His goal is clear: “And as always I will be the most entertaining guy that steps inside the octagon that night. I will have everybody on their feet I will have everybody on the edge of their seat. And typical Chandler fashion. We are going out there with one goal in mind note to separate our opponents from consciousness, so can’t wait! We heading to training camp today and for the next 8 weeks we’re getting after.”

To close things off, Chandler thanked his fans and ended with his signature phrase: “I’ll see you at the top.”

At 38 years old, Chandler has already cemented his legacy as a three-time Bellator champion before making the jump to the UFC in 2020. Since then, he’s had a 2-4 record, but his resume includes highlight-reel knockouts over Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson—proof that his explosiveness is still very much intact.

Meanwhile, Pimblett has been on a tear since joining the UFC in 2021, boasting an undefeated 6-0 run. Along the way, he’s racked up three submission wins and a knockout, most recently tapping out King Green. Even though Chandler’s last fight ended in a loss to Charles Oliveira, he remains focused and ready for the future. In a conversation with Tim Welch, he made it clear—he’s far from done.

Michael Chandler likes his chances against Paddy Pimblett

Before the fight got official, Chandler spoke with Tim Welch and expressed his confidence regarding a potential bout with the Englishman. He emphasized that this fight doesn’t intimidate him, despite the hype around Pimblett’s rise. Chandler acknowledged the rising 155fer’s skills, but his experience against some of the elite fighters in the sport has him believing he can come out on top.

Chandler shared with Welch, “I think it’s possible at this point. This sport is so nuts, man. If you’d asked me before the Arman versus Islam debacle, I’d have said Paddy had a higher likelihood. But now, that may have shifted. Still, Paddy’s a possibility. It’s a big fight, a fun fight, and one I like stylistically.”

UFC CEO Dana White officially confirmed the bout for UFC 314. And with only 8 weeks until fight night, Chandler is gearing up to get back in the win column. Will Chandler’s experience prevail, or will Pimblett continue his undefeated streak? Share your thoughts in the comments below!