Paddy Pimblett unexpectedly got angry after UFC 314: Accuses the Judge of Being ‘Disgusting’ Over the Fight Scorecard Against Michael Chandler

Paddy Pimblett just earned the biggest win of his UFC career, and he did it in dramatic, polarizing fashion. The Liverpool-born fighter stopped former Bellator champion Michael Chandler in the third round with a brutal ground and pound finish—but the real firestorm came from the scorecards. Despite a largely dominant performance, two of the three judges gave the first round to Chandler, sparking outcry from fans and a heated reaction from Pimblett himself. Now, with Chandler in his rearview mirror and the top 10 in sight, Pimblett is closer than ever to breaking into elite title contention at lightweight.

Judging Controversy: Did Paddy Pimblett Get Underrated in Round One?

Despite his clear dominance in the octagon, Paddy Pimblett was stunned to learn that both Chris Lee and Derek Cleary had scored the opening round for Chandler. While the third judge, Junichiro Kamijo, had Pimblett ahead 20-18 heading into the third, Cleary’s scorecard read 19-19, and Lee’s had Pimblett just barely ahead at 19-18 thanks to a 10-8 second round.

Pimblett didn’t hold back in his post-fight comments, calling out what he described as an “embarrassing” level of scoring inconsistency. “Two judges gave him the first round, the fing idiots,” he snapped. Fans echoed the frustration, with one particularly scathing comment accusing the UFC judges of being bribed. Pimblett, never one to shy away from controversy, added fuel to the fire: “They’re not wrong. These judges! What the f is this? I smashed him.”

This isn’t the first time judging in UFC has come under scrutiny, but the high-profile nature of this fight and the stakes involved made the criticism even more explosive. With Pimblett on the verge of a title run, the margin for judging error has grown thinner—and fighters are making it known.

Paddy Pimblett’s Breakout Moment: Ground and Pound Brilliance

Despite the judges’ baffling scores in the early rounds, Pimblett made sure there was no doubt by the end of the third. With Chandler worn down and visibly struggling to defend himself, Pimblett unleashed a devastating barrage of ground and pound that forced the referee to step in. The finish was emphatic and left no room for interpretation—Paddy Pimblett had arrived as a legitimate threat in the stacked 155-pound division.

The victory is particularly significant because Chandler came into the bout ranked #7 in the UFC lightweight division, while Pimblett was positioned at #12. That five-spot leap could prove massive in Monday’s updated rankings, especially given the manner in which Pimblett sealed the win.

Beyond rankings, though, it was the maturity and composure Pimblett showed throughout the fight that impressed analysts. Known for his flashy persona and brash interviews, Pimblett looked laser-focused, tactical, and patient—traits that are crucial for anyone aiming to become a champion.

Path to the Title: What’s Next for Paddy Pimblett in the UFC Lightweight Division?

Now that Paddy Pimblett has dispatched a top-10 opponent, the question becomes: what’s next? The UFC lightweight title picture is already packed with elite talent, but the timing could work in Pimblett’s favor. Current champion Islam Makhachev is rumored to be defending his belt against newly crowned featherweight king Ilia Topuria. While that superfight plays out, Pimblett could position himself as the next viable challenger by defeating a top-five contender.

Looking at the current rankings, Makhachev has already beaten most of the top lightweights—Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Beneil Dariush among them. That leaves only Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje as fresh matchups. Gaethje in particular could serve as a tantalizing test for Pimblett, both stylistically and from a rankings perspective.

Another possible opponent? Arman Tsarukyan, who has surged into the top five with recent wins and has yet to face Pimblett. A showdown between these rising stars could determine the next number-one contender if the UFC opts to match Makhachev with Topuria first.

Paddy Pimblett’s Rise: From Underdog to Superstar

When Paddy Pimblett entered the UFC, many dismissed him as all hype and no substance. His early fights were entertaining but raised questions about his striking defense and gas tank. However, with each passing bout, Pimblett has silenced more critics and added new layers to his game. This latest win over Chandler was a showcase of both skill and evolution. He managed the distance, avoided heavy damage, and executed a game plan that broke down a seasoned veteran.

His charisma, Liverpudlian swagger, and social media presence have already made him one of the most marketable fighters on the roster. Now, he’s adding elite performances to the package—and that’s a combination the UFC loves.

Moreover, Pimblett’s fan base has exploded in both the UK and the US. He’s become a crossover star who appeals to casual and hardcore fans alike, and the UFC appears ready to get behind him as a global face for the promotion.

Judging Reform in UFC: Will Controversies Like This Force Change?

The controversy surrounding this fight has also reignited the ongoing debate around UFC judging standards. With calls growing louder for more transparency, improved training, and even the use of open scoring, the sport is once again facing pressure to evolve.

Pimblett’s bout with Chandler wasn’t the first—and won’t be the last—where questionable scorecards nearly overshadowed an otherwise clean win. Fighters like Sean O’Malley, Jon Jones, and even Makhachev himself have all seen their legacies impacted by judging inconsistency. Whether the UFC or athletic commissions respond remains to be seen.

Still, Pimblett’s win was decisive in the end, and while the scorecards might be a talking point, the finish left no doubt about who the better fighter was that night.

Could Paddy Pimblett Be the Man to Challenge Islam Makhachev?

The idea of Paddy Pimblett challenging Islam Makhachev for the lightweight belt might’ve seemed absurd a year ago—but not anymore. With Chandler now in the rearview mirror and the lightweight top 10 opening up, Pimblett’s trajectory is mirroring other rapid risers like Charles Oliveira and Islam himself.

The timing could be perfect. If Makhachev defends against Topuria this summer and comes out unscathed, a year-end showdown between him and Pimblett—possibly in the UK—could be a massive PPV draw. The UFC has already proven it’s willing to host big events in London and Manchester, and Pimblett would be the ideal headliner for a European card.

For now, Pimblett needs one more signature win to cement his shot. A fight against a name like Justin Gaethje or Arman Tsarukyan would do just that—and based on his momentum, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the UFC fast-track him to the top.

Conclusion: Paddy Pimblett Is No Longer Just a Hype Train—He’s a Legitimate Threat

Paddy Pimblett’s victory over Michael Chandler has done more than just move him up the rankings. It has changed the narrative around him. No longer seen as just a fun personality or an overhyped prospect, Pimblett is now being talked about as a genuine title contender. With ground-and-pound power, mental toughness, and a chip on his shoulder, the 29-year-old Liverpudlian has all the tools to make a real run at gold.

Whether or not he gets a title shot in 2025 will depend on what happens at the top of the division, but one thing is clear: Paddy Pimblett has arrived. And he’s not going anywhere.