White, Poirier sing Pimblett’s praises after UFC 314

British lightweight Paddy Pimblett is receiving plenty of accolades after his victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 on Sunday (AEST), with promotion boss Dana White and fellow fighter Dustin Poirier among the voices singing his praises.

Pimblett came into his clash against Chandler as a $1.67 favourite across UFC betting sites, albeit with plenty of scepticism hovering over the 30-year-old given the step up in competition.

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Any doubt that the Brit is a genuine contender was put to bed when he dominated Chandler in rounds two and three, culminating in a brutal stoppage midway through the third.

Off the back of his performance, White made it clear that the victory has increased Pimblett’s stocks in the UFC.

“Tonight was a big night for Paddy Pimblett,” he said.

“People have been doubting Paddy Pimblett every single fight he fights, and he’s undefeated in the UFC.

“Chandler is like our Arturo Gatti, man.

“Every time that guy goes in, you know you’re in for a good fight, you know it’s going to be a war, and you don’t know whether he’s going to win or lose.”

Former interim lightweight champ Poirier, who commentated on the bout, believes Pimblett is now a title contender.

“He’s legit. Paddy’s the real deal,” Poirier said.

“The guy was a prospect. Now he’s a contender.

“You have to take him for real now.

“Who would’ve have had that on their bingo card that Paddy is going to take down Chandler to the mat like that and get on top of him and dominate him like that.”

Top bookmakers had a submission ($3.30) as Pimblett’s most likely method of victory, though a knockout ($3.45) was priced similarly.

Poirier went as far as saying Pimblett’s next fight needs to be a significant matchup, naming several lightweights he would like to see him share the octagon with.

“His next fight has to be a really big one — like a (Mateusz) Gamrot, Arman (Tsarukyan), (Charles) Oliveira,” he said.

“For me, as a fan, put him in there with Dan Hooker. That would be an incredible fight.

“Dan is going to stand and trade with him. Dan has good takedown defence, on the ground.

“That’s the fight, I think.”

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