Billy Ward discussed the unconventional potential for Paddy Pimblett securing a knockout via ground and pound at UFC 314 due to Chandler's questionable chin. Ward called attention to Chandler's repeatedly exposed durability, notably being knocked down by Tony Ferguson and other recent opponents. Despite Pimblett lacking notable standing knockout power, Ward emphasized Paddy's MMA-adapted jiu-jitsu style effectively sets up strong ground control, from which he could land damaging strikes leading to a stoppage win. Ward clarified he wouldn't anticipate a standing knockout, seeing Pimblett's striking-based finish more realistically materializing through sustained ground and pound.

Billy Ward expressed preliminary interest in betting Paddy Pimblett via submission at +250 odds in the UFC 314 co-main event against Michael Chandler. Ward acknowledged Chandler's technical wrestling advantage while highlighting Chandler's habit of making critical mistakes during ground encounters. Ward remained tentative about how the fight transitions to the ground, noting Pimblett's creative submission entries standing or off wild scrambles could provide a pathway. Though uncertain, Ward identified this method of victory as one of the two likeliest fight-ending scenarios.

Kunath identified Paddy Pimblett as a valuable DFS piece for UFC 314, highlighting his wrestling advantage and potential for multiple takedowns (3-5 times predicted) against Michael Chandler. Pimblett's five-round fight gives him an extended opportunity to score DraftKings points through grappling exchanges and extensive control time. While not mandatory in every lineup, Kunath recommended Pimblett as an optimal candidate, especially in single-entry tournaments, given Pimblett's high DFS ceiling and favorable stylistic matchup.

Matty Betss has confidently targeted Paddy Pimblett by submission (+240) against Michael Chandler, seeing clear value given Chandler's susceptibility and Pimblett's grappling opportunism. Matty cited Chandler's history of submission vulnerability, specifically highlighting Chandler's submission loss to Dustin Poirier. He mentioned the UFC's strategic matchmaking aimed at elevating Paddy's star status, especially with this event occurring on a major pay-per-view card in Miami. Matty stressed the likelihood of Chandler making positional mistakes, offering Paddy openings to secure a rear-naked choke similar to his past victories. Additionally, he considered scenarios where Pimblett might even capitalize from his back if Chandler aggressively pursues ground-and-pound. Given Matty's substantial personal wager ($150k sweat pending on his parlay), Pimblett's well-rounded skill improvement and the high odds offered, he strongly emphasizes this submission bet.

Matty Betss included Paddy Pimblett by submission as a critical leg in his highly confident three-part cycle parlay, which also features Sean Woodson by decision and Nikita Krylov by knockout. Although detailed analysis behind this Pimblett pick was not exhaustively provided, Matty underscored his full trust in this bet and highlighted the massive upside, placing a $5,000 wager at substantial 30-to-1 odds for a possible $153,000 payout. He prominently positioned Pimblett's submission finish as essential to leveraging the broader package's payout potential, reinforcing its betting appeal.

Matty Betss enthusiastically backed Paddy Pimblett to defeat Michael Chandler by submission, outlining a clear path to victory rooted in Pimblett's opportunistic submission skills. Although Chandler survived five rounds against Oliveira without being submitted, Betss sees Chandler as prone to critical mistakes during fights, especially becoming overly aggressive and reckless. Pimblett's history of capitalizing swiftly on grappling openings—particularly highlighted by his tight submission finishes—positions him ideally to exploit Chandler's tendency for critical errors. Pimblett's ability to quickly seize submission openings, backed by his confidence, sets the stage for Betss's selection of Pimblett at compelling odds of +240. This prediction features prominently in Betss' main cycle parlay.

Kunath is bullish on Paddy Pimblett, predicting a submission victory over Michael Chandler. Kunath notes Pimblett's superior pure grappling skills and significant size advantage as key edges. He highlights Pimblett's respectable striking durability, boxing underrated, and threat of surprise kicks. Chandler's aggressive, high-output style leaves openings for submissions due to his tendency to prioritize offense over position and safety, making him vulnerable to Pimblett's opportunistic submission attempts like triangles or back attacks. Kunath further points out Chandler's recent struggles against elite opposition, a potential indicator he's losing a step. Given Pimblett's youth, momentum (6-0 UFC record), and favorable five-round scenario significantly amplifying the odds of finding a finish, Kunath plans on officially betting Pimblett via submission for this fight.

Tim Welch picked Paddy Pimblett to defeat Michael Chandler citing multiple factors. Welch acknowledged Chandler is still powerful but has struggled severely in recent matchups against elite-level fighters, losing four of his last five fights. Welch pointed out Chandler's age (38) and believes that recent consistency and prime physical shape tip the scales towards Pimblett, who enters on a six-fight UFC winning streak. Though Welch expressed concern that Pimblett historically lifts his chin dangerously when pressured, he trusts improvements in Paddy's game, citing recent lifestyle improvements including reduced indulgences outside the octagon and newfound motivation from fatherhood. Welch ultimately sees Pimblett winning, likely by taking Chandler's back and submitting him.

Michael Bisping highlighted Paddy Pimblett's recently improved dieting and conditioning, factors that notably enhance Pimblett's ability to operate effectively across multiple rounds against Michael Chandler at UFC 314. Pimblett, known previously for excessive weight fluctuations between fights, has stayed lean and appeared in noticeably better shape going into this fight camp. Bisping believes these improvements in conditioning and professional discipline mark a higher level of preparation appropriate for fighting elite UFC competition, significantly improving his chances of a tactical, movement-heavy decision win over Chandler.

Michael Bisping predicts Paddy Pimblett will upset Michael Chandler at UFC 314, earning a decision victory through a disciplined striking approach. Bisping expects Pimblett to avoid exchanges in the pocket, similar to Ian Garry's performance, by maintaining distance, using movement, employing low calf kicks, and frustrating Chandler with strategic jab work. He emphasizes that Pimblett has cleaned up his diet, indicating improved conditioning and a potentially easier weight cut. Despite acknowledging Chandler as the more powerful fighter with straight punches, higher experience and stronger physicality, Bisping sees Pimblett's measured and cautious fight IQ being enough to win on points. He explicitly states Pimblett isn't likely to wrestle or get a stoppage victory, but rather out-point Chandler over the duration of the fight.

Michael Bisping picks Paddy Pimblett to secure a decision victory over Michael Chandler. He anticipates a frustrating strategy from Pimblett akin to Ian Garry, using constant movement to keep Chandler off balance. Bisping notes Chandler typically neglects cautious strategies, preferring to engage openly, but acknowledges Chandler might feel extra pressure and attempt a wrestling-heavy game plan. However, he ultimately expects Pimblett to implement a tactical, elusive approach, effectively neutralizing Chandler's explosive striking and holding advantages on the judges' scorecards.

Bedtime MMA confidently picked Paddy Pimblett to submit Michael Chandler by rear naked choke in the third round, emphasizing significant regression from Chandler and noticeable progression from Pimblett. Bedtime MMA criticized Chandler's deteriorating accuracy and physical condition, citing Chandler's exhaustion and poor showing in his recent loss to Charles Oliveira, where he looked visibly depleted, inaccurate, and physically compromised. Conversely, he praised Pimblett's remarkable chin, substantial reach advantage, improved striking defense over recent fights, and versatile kicking game which incorporates oblique kicks and body kicks. Anticipating Chandler's aggression, he expects Pimblett to fight patiently at distance, frustrate Chandler into making critical errors leading to grappling exchanges, where Pimblett's physicality, length, and grappling superiority will dominate Chandler, ultimately securing a submission via rear naked choke mid-way through the third round.

Matty Betss supports betting Paddy Pimblett against Michael Chandler, stressing Paddy's clear recent improvements. Noting Pimblett's enhanced durability, discipline with nutrition, and more refined striking, Matty strongly criticizes Chandler's tendency to 'find ways to lose fights.' Additionally, he highlights the calculated UFC matchmaking that likely favors a Pimblett victory to increase his star power on a marquee pay-per-view event. Betts confidently views Pimblett, currently poised and developed beyond his earlier UFC opponents (like Jared Gordon and Jordan Leavitt), as the more reliable betting side anticipating a significant win against the inconsistent and unreliable Chandler.

Kyle Anthony backs Paddy Pimblett at -145 against Michael Chandler, highlighting Pimblett's overall skills advantage and positive trajectory versus Chandler's steep decline. Anthony details Pimblett's strength in wrestling and superior grappling skills, referencing Chandler's recent fight with Charles Oliveira where Chandler was badly outwrestled, indicating significant vulnerabilities Paddy can exploit. Anthony praises Pimblett for disciplined striking, faster hands, effective distance management, and leveraging physical size advantages. Anthony also emphasizes Pimblett's strategic motivation, describing this as the biggest fight of Pimblett's career with full preparation, as opposed to Chandler, whom he labels reckless, sloppy and more interested in entertainment than winning strategy. He sees Pimblett effectively mixing takedowns, controlling Chandler on the ground, and clearly dominating en route to victory.

Jeff Chalkx strongly supports Paddy Pimblett as the pick against Michael Chandler at UFC 314, basing his reasoning around Pimblett's exceptional durability, grappling skills, youth, and Chandler's vulnerabilities. Pimblett, undefeated in the UFC, has exhibited a granite chin, never being knocked out, even while facing powerful strikers. Chalkx points out Chandler can be dangerous early due to still-existing explosive knockout power, but Pimblett's proven toughness should enable him to survive the early threat. Once Chandler inevitably fades or engages in grappling, Pimblett has notable advantages—his grappling and ground game are more technical and dangerous than Chandler's. Chalkx specifically cited Chandler's vulnerability to grappling exchanges—even noting Chandler surrendering advantageous positions previously against Charles Oliveira. Additionally, Pimblett is substantially younger and fresher, devoid of Chandler's significant fight mileage and declining form, making Pimblett an excellent betting selection at current odds.

Daniel Gumbi Vreeland identified Paddy Pimblett as a strong play this weekend against Michael Chandler, arguing Chandler's defensive liabilities and career stage make him a perfect opponent. Chandler, known for prioritizing entertaining fights and a tendency to recklessly engage, has only two UFC wins against Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson, both fading fighters. Vreeland believes Chandler's declining stardom and deteriorating tactical discipline will play directly into Pimblett's hands: Pimblett's rapid rise, knockout power, and ability to capitalize on opponents' mistakes make him a prime candidate for a finish win in this showcase opportunity provided by the UFC to elevate Pimblett's profile in the key UK market.

Tim Bissell expects Paddy Pimblett to have his toughest, longest fight yet against Michael Chandler at UFC 314. While Pimblett's submission skills are elite, Chandler has shown he can defend submissions effectively, having resisted Charles Oliveira for extended periods and rarely getting tapped in his career. Bissell foresees Pimblett's size and ground dominance keeping Chandler immobilized for extended stretches, resulting in a longer engagement rather than the quick submission finish many anticipate. Consequently, he strongly recommended betting the Over 1.5 rounds (-180) prop as the best value for this specific matchup.

Cody Saftic strongly recommends fading Paddy Pimblett against Michael Chandler at plus money, declaring Chandler by far the toughest opposition Pimblett has faced. Saftic critiqued Pimblett's previous UFC performances, pointing out major struggles against weaker opponents such as Luigi Vendramini, Kazula Vargas, Jordan Leavitt, and notably Jared Gordon, who arguably defeated Pimblett. Chandler possesses vastly superior wrestling, striking power, high-level experience against elite UFC competition (Gaethje, Poirier, Oliveira), and proven durability against top-level submission threats like Oliveira. Saftic also emphasizes Pimblett's questionable cardio over five rounds, recommending bettors take Chandler due to his proven resilience and elite MMA background.

Joe Osborne is backing Paddy Pimblett at -160 odds over Michael Chandler, emphasizing that Chandler is more known for exciting bouts rather than sustained success, losing four of his last six fights. Chandler’s damage-absorbing 'all gas no brakes' style has been exciting but ineffective against top-tier opponents. Osborne believes the UFC has strategically handpicked Chandler as an opponent for Pimblett, seeing him as a well-known but highly beatable big-name fighter. With the UFC marketing machine fully behind Pimblett, Osborne expects a career-defining win here, citing Patty's improved performance against Tony Ferguson and a finish against Bobby Green in his recent outings, as well as his notably focused mindset compared to Chandler's fan-entertainment priority.

Brian Campbell stated clearly this is a career-defining fight for Paddy Pimblett, who faces his most substantial challenge yet in former Bellator champ Michael Chandler. Campbell highlighted Pimblett’s history of blowing up significantly between fights but said Pimblett has shown greatly improved maturity and physical conditioning at age 30. Citing recent life events, including marriage and the birth of twins, Campbell thinks fans will witness the best-ever version of Paddy. Given the perceived lack of star power in today's UFC, Campbell believes if Pimblett manages to secure a victory over Chandler—especially if he looks impressive—he's one win away from a UFC title shot, solidifying his star status and answering key questions about his endurance, chin, and complete skill set.

Ethan Diamandas views Paddy Pimblett not only as a capable favorite against Michael Chandler but also believes he matches up well stylistically against elite lightweight contenders like Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, and Arman Tsarukyan. Diamandas appreciates Pimblett's skillset versatility, notably his modern grappling approach and dynamic striking, indicating favorable stylistic compatibility against potential future opponents. This analysis offers actionable considerations for betting markets, as it implies a potential betting angle on Pimblett in future marquee fights beyond the current Chandler bout.

Jon Anik is optimistic about Paddy Pimblett's odds (-160) against Michael Chandler, highlighting Paddy's disciplined preparation and championship-level commitment. Anik dismissed concerns around Pimblett's notable weight fluctuation between fights, stating they were dramatically overstated. He praised Pimblett's overall skillset—grappling versatility, striking ability, long-range weapons, athleticism, and favorable size. Anik projected Pimblett potentially defeating Chandler as a significant career turning point that could propel him into a title eliminator against elite contenders like Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, or Justin Gaethje. Anik pointed out that Pimblett's favored status on the betting lines is telling and reflective of his legitimate contender status and star potential.

Jon Anik believes the prevailing narrative about Paddy Pimblett's dramatic weight fluctuations between bouts is largely exaggerated and overblown. Anik describes Pimblett as an elite professional athlete, claiming that when the stakes are elevated—such as a high-profile matchup against perennial lightweight contender Michael Chandler—Pimblett demonstrates a serious championship-level commitment. Anik cited Paddy's grappling skills, athleticism, striking range, and overall talent, noting the significance of Pimblett being listed as the betting favorite (-160) against an accomplished UFC veteran like Chandler. Anik emphasized that a victory over Chandler would propel Pimblett towards elite matchups against top contenders such as Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, or Justin Gaethje, thus placing Paddy firmly on a path toward contending for the UFC lightweight championship. Anik praised Pimblett's star power, charisma, and genuine potential, suggesting this fight could mark Pimblett's breakout from popular fighter to a serious championship contender.