Pimblett mauls Chandler in UFC 314 co-main event
Paddy Pimblett put on a career-best performance against Michael Chandler, dominating him en route to a TKO finish in the UFC 314 co-main event Saturday night.
The referee stepped in at the 3:07 mark of the third round at Kaseya Center in Miami.
Pimblett, who entered as the No. 12-ranked lightweight, said afterward he wants to face a top-five opponent next.
"I want that world title," Pimblett said. "I want Dustin (Poirier), Justin (Gaethje), Charles (Oliveira), or Arman (Tsarukyan). Any of them four."
Pimblett pummeled Chandler on the ground to score the biggest win of his career.
Early in the third round, Pimblett opened up a massive cut on Chandler's face with a knee. Moments later, he scored a takedown and took Chandler's back. Pimblett landed a barrage of elbows and punches on the ground and constantly attacked the rear-naked choke. Pimblett continued to rain down punches as he advanced to full mount and then took his back again, forcing the referee to wave off the fight.
Pimblett, a 30-year-old from Liverpool, England, improved his UFC record to 7-0 with the victory.
Chandler, 38, is now riding a three-fight skid. The former Bellator champion fell to 2-5 in the promotion.