No one has extra using on an end result at UFC 314 than Michael Chandler as he appears to bounce again from two straight losses going through off towards a lower-ranked opponent in Paddy Pimblett.
That’s in response to UFC legend Matt Brown, who sees Chandler because the athlete within the largest do-or-die scenario heading into Saturday’s card as a result of circumstances surrounding his UFC profession. Regardless of incomes bonuses in 5 out of his six appearances within the promotion, and placing on three separate Combat of the Evening performances, Chandler nonetheless boasts a 2-4 report general, and at 38 years previous, he can ailing 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 mentioned about Chandler on the newest episode of The Fighter vs. The Author. “Whether or not die, I suppose possibly shouldn’t be the proper phrase, however he mentioned it very clearly himself earlier than it’s a title or nothing. I’m not right here to battle guys, simply to become profitable or no matter.
“The issue with Michael Chandler, he doesn’t have a high quality win within the UFC. I imply you could possibly 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 could be the next high quality win right now than it was then however Tony Ferguson isn’t a high quality win. I don’t suppose anyone’s going to argue that.”
Whereas Brown isn’t precisely positive 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 changing into champion. Dropping at UFC 314 successfully removes Chandler from that dialog — probably for the remainder of his profession.
“We are able to virtually take away the identify Paddy Pimblett from it. You’ll be able to’t lose to the No. 15 man,” Brown mentioned. “Paddy, with all due respect he’s good, I don’t wish 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 crucial of quite a lot of issues Paddy Pimblett associated. Like the way in which he places on the burden and a number of the silly issues he says and the way in which he carries himself. There’s undoubtedly rather a lot to criticize on him, however he’s went out and carried out.
“I don’t like essentially saying you’ll be able to’t lose to Paddy Pimblett. No, you’ll be able to’t lose to the No. 15 man or No. 14 man, no matter that man’s identify is.”
Fact be instructed, Brown isn’t sure that Chandler completely deserves to be listed alongside the very best lightweights within the sport primarily based solely on his accomplishments within the UFC. However regardless, Chandler nonetheless occupies a spot within the prime 10, and that’s what Pimblett desires to remove from him.
“I don’t know the way Michael Chandler is within the prime 10,” Brown mentioned. “I like Michael Chandler, I’m not hating on him in any respect however most individuals should win fights to get into the highest 10. He simply didn’t. Generally the rankings are type of odd. They’re subjective, not likely goal. However regardless, my level is we’re going to seek out out rather a lot 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 essential 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 listing 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 check Chandler’s resolve on the subject of his place within the sport, and Brown can’t assist however marvel if possibly he would possibly begin different pursuits away from the octagon.
“Now it’s your choice: Are you title shot or bust as a result of meaning you’re busted,” Brown mentioned about Chandler dropping to Pimblett. “The good factor for Michael Chandler is he’s bought quite a lot of choices. Win or lose this battle, he’s bought an incredible model, folks love him. I believe he’d be an incredible commentator or an analyst, podcast kind man. One thing. He’s actually bought an excellent voice for that type of stuff. The potential for him is there, the model continues 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 in case you lose to Paddy Pimblett, you higher begin enthusiastic about what the subsequent profession goes to be or the subsequent path.”
