Tsarukyan, who withdrew from his title fight against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev just a day before UFC 311, has to work his way back to a title shot after Dana White said he won’t rebook their fight. Tsarukyan only has his sights set on a top contender who will bring him back to that position.

The matchmakers have had their job made easier if such circumstances unfold after a rising star who produced a jaw-dropping knockout against King Green at UFC 313 last weekend put his name in the mix. Mauricio Ruffy was already one of the most talked about recent additions to the UFC roster heading into UFC 313 on March 8.

We look at the opening odds for the co-main event for the UFC 314 fight card: Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett.

Former Bellator champ Chandler (23-9 MMA, 2-4 UFC) will take on surging contender Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 6-0 UFC) in a five-round bout April 12 at Kaseya Center in Miami ( ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN/Disney+, ESPN+) in what has the makings of a defining bout for both men.

If history has taught us anything, it's that anything is possible in the UFC. The post Dana White Gets Possibly The Best Backup For Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett UFC 314 Fight appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Paddy Pimblett isn't expecting to get any credit with a win at UFC 314. Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 6-0 UFC) draws his most notable name to date when he takes on former UFC title challenger Michael Chandler (23-9 MMA,

For better or worse, Michael Chandler has become a kingmaker for the UFC. If Paddy Pimblett ever wants to compete for a title, he may never get a better chance than now.

Paddy Pimblett feels he has been underestimated and overlooked ahead of his UFC 314 co-main event fight against Michael Chandler