Paddy Pimblett: Michael Chandler pushes back on cheating accusations ahead of UFC 314 clash with Paddy Pimblett

Michael Chandler pushes back on cheating accusations ahead of UFC 314 clash with Paddy Pimblett

Modified Apr 06, 2025 22:03 GMT

Michael Chandler claps back at cheating allegations. [Image Courtesy: Getty Images] — Michael Chandler claps back at cheating allegations. [Image courtesy: Getty Images]

Michael Chandler has been accused of being a cheater by fans and fellow fighters on account of his actions in his last two bouts. However, Chandler recently fired back at these accusations, justifying his actions.

'Iron' was submitted by Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 in 2022. However, after the bout, Poirier accused him of fish-hooking and hitting the back of the head during their fight. Charles Oliveira also alleges that the former Bellator fighter committed fouls in their rematch last year.

In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Chandler opened up about how he feels about the repeated cheating allegations:

"You’re always going to have those accusations, right? But I know who I am at my core. I’m a guy who tries to do things right, tries to treat people right, [and] tries to do things with honor and respect. So, the cheating accusations are a little tough on me."

Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more

Claiming that fouls happen inadvertently all the time, he added:

"In the last fight, Charles Oliveira dug his chin so deep into my eye socket that I thought I was going to go blind. It is illegal... [But] these things happen when you're inside the cage. I would never say Charles Oliveira is a cheater."

Check out Michael Chandler's comments below:

Expand Tweet

Paddy Pimblett warns Michael Chandler about facing brutal consequences if he tries to fish-hook him

Michael Chandler will take on Paddy Pimblett in the co-main event of UFC 314 on April 12. Pimblett recently discussed how he'll deal with Chandler potentially attempting illegal moves.

Speaking to UFC play-by-play commentator Jon Anik, 'The Baddy' warned Chandler of facing dire consequences if he tries to fish-hook him like he allegedly did against Poirier. The Brit said:

"If that happens, I'll bite his [Chandler's] finger and try to cut it off with my teeth!"

Check out Paddy Pimblett's comments below (07:12):

About the author

Souvik took up writing as his profession in 2019 and has worked for various publications, including EssentiallySports and The SportsRush since then.
While he holds a diploma in electrical engineering, Souvik’s love for combat sports and the written word has ensured a seamless transition to his current profession.
As of the UFC, Dustin Poirier is his favorite fighter. 'The Diamond's' respectful attitude in a trash-talk-heavy sport makes Souvik root for him. Poirier's five-round war against Dan Hooker in June 2020 is his all-time favorite MMA scrap to date.
Furthermore, he is of the opinion that MMA has taken over boxing as the world’s top combat sport due to the regularity of events.
Coming to his writing, Souvik will do everything to ensure that his pieces are informative and relevant, which is perhaps why one of his articles is still the most viewed in the MMA division of EssentiallySports.
Souvik’s other interests include singing (he’s a frontman for a rock band in Kolkata), playing guitar, and watching documentaries.

Know More

Follow One Championship News, Schedule & Results at Sportskeeda.

Edited by C. Naik