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By Simon Head
Contributing Sports Writer
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It's been the worst-kept secret in MMA for the past few weeks, but now it's official. Former Bellator lightweight world champion Michael Chandler and former Cage Warriors featherweight world champion Paddy Pimblett are booked to fight at UFC 314.
The pair, who have hinted at a possible matchup between them in separate interviews and social media posts over the last few months, are officially signed and sealed to compete in a 155-pound co-main event bout at UFC 314, which takes place at the Kaseya Center, Miami, on April 12.
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The bout represents the biggest matchup of Pimblett's career. The Liverpudlian lightweight, who previously captured Cage Warriors gold at 145 pounds, has steadily moved up the lightweight ladder in the UFC.
Pimblett has a 22-3 career record and is undefeated in the UFC, having won six in a row in the Octagon.
His most recent performance, against King Green at UFC 304 in Manchester last October, saw Pimblett become the first fighter to submit the wily American veteran in the UFC as he demonstrated his still-evolving skillset at the highest level.
Prior to that victory, Pimblett registered victories over Tony Ferguson, Jared Gordon, and Jordan Leavitt.
He'll be stepping up another level to face 23-9 contender Chandler, a three-time Bellator lightweight champion whose reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the world has skyrocketed since he made his UFC debut in January 2021.
Despite his undoubted pedigree, his willingness to step into the trenches, regardless of the opposition, has led to him losing more fights than he's won in the UFC. His finishes of Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson are currently overshadowed by his four defeats: to Charles Oliveira (twice), Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier.
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But, while his UFC record has been somewhat patchy, his ability to thrill the crowds has not, with Chandler banking five UFC post-fight bonuses – two Performances of the Night, three Fights of the Night – in his six career bouts inside the Octagon.
Now he'll throw down with Pimblett in a fascinating lightweight clash in Miami on April 12, with both men eyeing a potential shot at the 155-pound title later in the year.
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