Paddy Pimblett sends a final message to Michael Chandler ahead of their UFC 314 clash – as the crowd favourite prepares for his toughest test to date

Paddy Pimblett insisted that he is not phased by Michael Chandler’s vaunted knockout power ahead of UFC 314.

Since joining the UFC in 2021, the Liverpudlian has enjoyed a perfect start to his life in the Octagon having amassed an undefeated record across his six fights in the promotion.

Saturday’s meeting with former title challenger Chandler represents an opportunity for ‘The Baddy’ to elevate himself to the upper-echelon of the lightweight division.

However, despite the American’s claims that he will secure victory via stoppage, Pimblett insisted he is prepared to take Chandler’s best shots.

‘Everyone thinks I’m getting knocked out because I leave my chin high but this chin’s made of granite.’ Pimblett said after making the 156lbs lightweight limit for a non-title fight.

‘I’m not getting knocked out, I’ve never been knocked out before but Mike has and I’ll do it again on Saturday.’

The UFC 314 co-main event will be contested over five rounds, a first for Pimblett since signing with the UFC.

37-year-old Chandler, who has won post-fight performance bonuses in five of his six UFC fights, claimed the bout is the ‘people’s main event’.

He said on Friday: ‘All respect to what Paddy has done in this sport – he’s earned the right to be in this spot but I have proven over the last couple of decades I deserve to be in this spot as well,’

‘This is the people’s main event, I’m going to find that chin and I’m going to find it early.’

The highly-anticipated showdown has also caught the attention of Conor McGregor, who claimed he is ‘interested’ in the fight in a post on social media earlier this week.

McGregor had been scheduled to take on Chandler in his comeback fight at UFC 303 last year.

However, the bout ultimately did not materialise as the Irishman suffered an injury in training and was forced to withdraw.