The UFC world is buzzing with anticipation as Paddy Pimblett prepares to step back into the octagon, and his coach has just dropped a tantalizing hint about what makes the Liverpool-born fighter a cut above the rest. On Saturday, April 12, the UFC will return to Miami for a stacked pay-per-view event at the Kaseya Center, and all eyes will be on Pimblett as he faces his toughest challenge yet. In the co-main event of UFC 314, ‘The Baddy’ will go toe-to-toe with former Bellator champion Michael ‘Iron’ Chandler, a matchup that promises fireworks and could redefine Pimblett’s trajectory in the lightweight division.

With fight night fast approaching, Pimblett’s coach, Paul Rimmer, recently sat down with Inside Fighting to peel back the curtain on what fuels his star pupil’s meteoric rise. Rimmer didn’t hold back, pinpointing a single, standout quality that separates Pimblett from the pack. “Paddy’s got a very elite, elite mindset,” he revealed, his tone brimming with confidence. “He doesn’t falter or waver in how he feels about beating someone in a fight. He’s not the person I worry about when it comes to that sort of stuff.” But it was Rimmer’s next statement that truly turned heads. “I’ll tell you what sets him apart: most fighters worry about fighting, Paddy loves fighting. That’s the biggest thing I can say about him.”

That love for the fight game has been evident in Pimblett’s flawless 6-0 run under the UFC banner. His most recent triumph came at UFC 300 in April, where he dispatched King Green in less than a round, locking in a slick triangle choke that sent the crowd into a frenzy. It was a statement win, showcasing not just his technical prowess but also his unshakable composure under pressure. Before that, he outclassed veterans Tony Ferguson and Jared Gordon, securing unanimous decision victories that silenced doubters and solidified his status as a rising star. Now, with Chandler in his sights, Pimblett stands on the cusp of breaking into the lightweight top 10—a milestone that could catapult him into title contention with just one more big win.

Rimmer’s revelation about Pimblett’s mindset offers a glimpse into the intangibles that have propelled ‘The Baddy’ to this point. While many fighters grapple with nerves or self-doubt, Pimblett thrives in the chaos of combat. It’s a trait that’s hard to quantify but impossible to ignore—a fearless joy that turns the octagon into his playground. That edge could prove decisive against Chandler, a seasoned warrior known for his explosive style and relentless aggression. For Pimblett, this isn’t just another fight; it’s an opportunity to prove he belongs among the elite.

Michael Chandler, meanwhile, enters the bout with his back against the wall. The Missouri native has struggled to find his footing in the UFC, posting a 2-4 record since joining the promotion. His last two outings ended in defeat, with losses to Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira exposing vulnerabilities in his game. Once a dominant force in Bellator, Chandler is now clinging to his spot in the lightweight top 10, desperate to turn the tide. A win over Pimblett could breathe new life into his career, but a loss might signal the beginning of the end for the 38-year-old veteran.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for both men. For Pimblett, a victory would cement his status as a legitimate contender, potentially setting up a blockbuster clash with a top-five lightweight. His brash persona and fan-friendly style have already made him a darling of the UFC brass, and a win here could fast-track him to gold. Chandler, on the other hand, needs to rediscover the form that made him a champion elsewhere. His power and experience make him a dangerous foe, but he’ll have to contend with a younger, hungrier opponent who’s riding an unstoppable wave of momentum.

As the Miami showdown looms, speculation is rife about how this clash will unfold. Will Pimblett’s love for the fight overwhelm Chandler’s seasoned grit? Or will ‘Iron’ prove he’s still got the fire to compete with the division’s new blood? Rimmer’s confidence in his fighter suggests the former, but in the unpredictable world of MMA, nothing is certain until the cage door closes. One thing is clear: UFC 314’s co-main event is shaping up to be a defining moment for both men, and the world will be watching to see who emerges victorious.