UFC legend Demetrious Johnson has made a strong statement about one of the prominent fighters competing at UFC 314.
Having witnessed a wide spectrum of talent throughout UFC`s rise in mixed martial arts, Demetrious Johnson is adept at recognizing potential greatness. He has made a bold prediction regarding one of the key figures at UFC 314.
UFC 314 is set to be a thrilling event this Saturday in Miami, highlighted by a championship main event between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes. Following Ilia Topuria`s move to the lightweight division, UFC matchmakers quickly arranged the Volkanovski vs. Lopes fight for the vacant featherweight title.
Adding to the excitement, the UFC 314 co-main event is highly anticipated, potentially marking the rise of a new contender for the lightweight title.
Demetrious Johnson Guarantees Paddy Pimblett Will Win a UFC Title
Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett are scheduled to face off in the co-main event of UFC 314, a bout many fans are calling the `people`s main event.` Despite Paddy Pimblett not yet facing an opponent of Chandler`s level, he enters UFC 314 with significant hype as he steps up in competition.
Pimblett, currently undefeated in his UFC career, could be just one victory away from a title opportunity if he defeats Chandler this weekend. Demetrious Johnson believes that if Pimblett remains focused and dedicated both inside and outside the octagon, the UK star is destined to hold UFC gold.
During a recent analysis on his YouTube channel, Johnson identified Pimblett as a future UFC champion.
“I`m excited to see him progress to the point where… I believe he will become champion one day,” Johnson commented on Pimblett. “If he doesn`t, he`ll be remembered as one of those highly skilled fighters who never quite reached championship status, like Urijah Faber or Joseph Benavidez.”
“He is doing everything correctly at the moment.”
Pimblett is entering UFC 314 as a standout star in the lightweight division, having quickly gained popularity with UFC fans after becoming a major star internationally. A victory over Chandler would significantly boost Pimblett`s profile and firmly place him in the lightweight title conversation.
Paddy Pimblett Acknowledged “Lucky” Controversial Win Ahead of UFC 314
Despite Johnson`s optimistic prediction and Pimblett`s success, his UFC journey has not been without controversy. Pimblett recently admitted that his debated victory over Jared Gordon at UFC 282 was `lucky` following extensive fan criticism of the judges` scoring.
Since his win against Gordon, Pimblett has secured victories over King Green and Tony Ferguson, breaking into the lightweight Top 15 rankings. If he overcomes Chandler at UFC 314, Pimblett could be in line to face a top contender, especially after a recent rivalry sparked with Arman Tsarukyan.
Tsarukyan was originally scheduled to headline UFC 311 against Islam Makhachev but withdrew shortly before the event due to injury. UFC CEO Dana White has stated that Tsarukyan will need to secure at least one win before being considered for another title shot after his late withdrawal.
Pimblett has openly criticized Tsarukyan’s withdrawal from UFC 311. Joe Rogan has also speculated that Tsarukyan may not have been entirely truthful about the reasons for his withdrawal, suggesting a problematic weight cut may have been the real issue.
Pimblett and Tsarukyan could be on a collision course if Pimblett is victorious at UFC 314 this weekend. As fans await Makhachev`s next title defense, Pimblett has an opportunity to distinguish himself from the competition against Chandler.
Benedict Kingsley