In a stunning post-fight twist that’s rocked the MMA world, Conor McGregor has publicly accused rising UFC star Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett of using banned substances following his shocking TKO win over Michael Chandler at UFC 314. The accusation, delivered via a fiery X (formerly Twitter) rant just hours after the fight, has sparked an immediate response from the Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) agency, which has now launched a formal investigation.

The Fight That Started It All
UFC 314 was already billed as one of the biggest events of the year, with fans eagerly anticipating the long-awaited showdown between Paddy Pimblett and Michael Chandler. While Chandler was seen as the more experienced and dangerous striker, Pimblett entered the octagon brimming with confidence, backed by an unbeaten UFC record.
From the opening bell, Pimblett looked unusually sharp. His speed, timing, and power seemed levels above his past performances. Chandler was dropped twice in the first round before the referee called the fight early in the second, awarding Pimblett a TKO victory that left fans both impressed and bewildered.
McGregor’s Explosive Accusation
But the celebration didn’t last long.
Just after the official decision, Conor McGregor took to social media, posting a scathing message:
“HE IS A CHEATER! I’ve seen enough. No man jumps levels like that naturally. Paddy’s juiced to the gills. Test him NOW. #UFC314”
The tweet instantly went viral, drawing over 2 million views in less than an hour. While McGregor has never shied away from controversy or bold statements, this direct accusation of PED (performance-enhancing drug) use ignited a firestorm. UFC fans, analysts, and fellow fighters chimed in, some defending Pimblett, others echoing McGregor’s suspicions.
McGregor later appeared on a post-fight livestream, where he doubled down on his claims:
“You don’t go from gassing in round two against Jared Gordon to starching Chandler like that unless something’s changed. I don’t care what anyone says — that’s not normal.”
CSAD Steps In
In response to the social media storm, the Combat Sports Anti-Doping agency (CSAD) — UFC’s independent anti-doping partner — released a brief but pointed statement early Sunday morning:
“We are aware of the allegations made regarding the UFC 314 bout between Paddy Pimblett and Michael Chandler. Per protocol, all post-fight samples will be reviewed with increased scrutiny. Any violations will be addressed according to CSAD’s disciplinary procedures.”
While the agency did not confirm whether they had received any prior red flags regarding Pimblett, insiders say that expedited testing and deeper sample analysis may now be in motion.
Pimblett Denies Allegations
In a short video posted to his Instagram story, Pimblett responded to the accusations with characteristic swagger:
“They always hate when you win big. I’ve been tested more than anyone on the roster. Come test me again tomorrow, I’m clean. McGregor’s just salty because I did what he couldn’t.
Pimblett’s camp also released an official statement denying any wrongdoing, calling McGregor’s claims “reckless, unfounded, and disrespectful to the sport.”
The Fallout
The UFC has yet to issue an official comment, though President Dana White is expected to address the controversy during Monday’s media briefing. Meanwhile, fans remain divided — with some demanding transparency and others dismissing McGregor’s outburst as typical fight promotion theatrics.
One thing is certain: the shadow of this controversy could loom large over Pimblett’s career. Whether McGregor’s accusation proves true or not, the damage to Paddy’s image — and the legitimacy of UFC 314’s outcome — may already be done.
This developing story continues to grip the MMA world, with many now asking: Did “The Baddy” cheat — or is this just “The Notorious” doing what he does best?