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Michael Chandler, one of the UFC's most explosive lightweight fighters, is set to return to the Octagon this weekend at UFC 314. In the co-headlining bout of the evening, he will face popular British fighter Paddy Pimblett in a five-round bout.
Both fighters enjoy great popularity due to their attractive styles, but the American has often faced criticism from his fellow fighters throughout his career. Ahead of this return, accusations have resurfaced that he used illegal moves in previous appearances, most notably in fights against Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira.
Chandler, a former Bellator champion, has two wins in six matches in his UFC career so far but has been awarded bonuses for the attractiveness of fights five times. He leads a quiet family life, recently without any scandals, but constant criticism that he acts dishonestly in fights has followed him since the beginning of his career.
In an interview with MMA Fighting, he admitted that some situations in fights can be considered controversial, but he attributes it to instincts in the chaotic situations of fights when the body just reacts impulsively.
"I know some people see me as someone who acts in front of the cameras, but I'm a person who always tries to act honestly. These stories that I cheated on were hard for me, but they're part of the job," he said.
"In the fight with Oliveira, for example, I felt like he stuck his chin in my eye - and that's illegal, but I'm not calling him a cheater. Those are moments when the body reacts without thinking."
The situation in the fight against Oliveira, when some punches ended up on the back of the Brazilian fighter's head, which caused the anger of the entire MMA community, attracted particular attention. However, the referee did not intervene at that time, and Chandler claims that he never intended to hit any opponent in an illegal place.
His upcoming opponent, Pimblett, chose to keep a professional tone and did not dwell too much on the accusations against Chandler, and although both men are sharp-tongued, the promotion of the fight went surprisingly smoothly without any serious insults.
"I respect Paddy for not making a drama out of it," said Chandler.
The match will be very important for both fighters; Michael must end his losing streak while the young Paddy must not stop the upward trajectory of his career.
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