Michael Chandler on UFC 314: "My job is to fight, not to listen to the noise"

Michael Chandler, one of the most famous names in the UFC's lightweight division, is preparing to return to action this weekend at UFC 314. This time, Chandler will face Paddy Pimblett in a co-title fight that is already generating excitement among fans.

Although Chandler is known for his particular strategy and energy, this time he attracted attention for other reasons; accusations that came his way for using "dirty tricks" in his previous matches.

Chandler: The criticism has started

The experienced fighter is known for his fighting spirit and his desire to fight to the end. However, in the last performances, many noticed somewhat different moments, such as situations in which shots occurred that were not completely clean. However, this great UFC fighter believes that these situations are not the result of bad intent, but more of instinct and immediate reaction in the cage.

"Although some of my actions may have been controversial, those were the moments that caused emotion and the desire to win. In the cage, everything happens very quickly and instinctively, and therefore it is difficult to always remain completely in control," Chandler said in an interview.

After the matches against Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira, Chandler was criticized for shots that, according to many, were far from fair play. Although he admitted to accidentally hitting Poirier in the mouthguard area, Michael doesn't believe the behavior was unfair. The famous fighter stresses how such situations are when you have a strong desire to celebrate.

"Yeah, it happens that you accidentally hit an area that's not allowed. It's a fight, things like that can happen, and it's not something that was done on purpose," Chandler said, explaining his stance on the charges.

Pimblett, who also fights in the UFC, is known for his controversial statements and often provocative comments, decided to approach the situation a little differently. In his opinion, the responsibility for the correct conduct of the fight lies with the judges, and he praised Chandler for his attitude, which did not want to create drama around these allegations.

"I thank Paddy for approaching it with more understanding and not creating unnecessary noise. Although my actions may have been under a magnifying glass, I still do not think I did anything that should be punished," said Chandler.