In the aftermath of a controversial TKO win at UFC 314, Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett has finally broken his silence regarding the swirling accusations of cheating and banned substances that have cast a shadow over his victory against Michael Chandler. The British lightweight sensation, known for his brash personality and undeniable charisma, took to the media this week to defend his name, address the conspiracy theories, and set the record straight.

The Controversy

Pimblett’s stunning second-round TKO against Chandler at UFC 314 was originally celebrated as the defining moment of his UFC career. However, the win quickly drew skepticism from fans, analysts, and even fellow fighters. The controversy intensified after Conor McGregor publicly accused Pimblett of using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) to gain an unfair advantage over Chandler.

“He didn’t look like Paddy. He looked like someone else—someone juiced. That wasn’t natural,” McGregor claimed in a now-viral tweet.

The accusations ignited a storm on social media, with some fans pointing to Pimblett’s unusually shredded physique and explosive power as “evidence” of doping. The chatter only grew louder when rumors surfaced that the Combat Sports Anti-Doping agency (CSAD) had been notified of irregularities in Pimblett’s pre-fight biological passport.

Pimblett Speaks Out

After days of radio silence, Pimblett finally addressed the allegations in an emotional interview with MMA Insider UK.

“I’ve seen all the tweets. I’ve seen the memes. People saying I cheated, that I’m on steroids, that I’m a fake. It hurts, man,” Pimblett began. “But let me say it loud and clear—I’ve never used any banned substances in my life. Everything I’ve achieved, I’ve earned the hard way.”

He admitted that the accusations had taken a toll on his mental health, describing the past week as “one of the hardest” of his career. However, he stood firm in his innocence and challenged critics to wait for the facts.

“People are quick to judge. But the CSAD has all my samples. They’ll see I’m clean. I’ve always played by the rules, and I won’t let lies ruin what I’ve worked for.”

CSAD Steps In

In response to the public uproar, the Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) organization released a short statement confirming they are conducting a routine post-fight analysis on all competitors from UFC 314.

“At this time, no fighter has tested positive for any banned substances. All samples from UFC 314 are currently undergoing standard lab testing. We will report results in due course.”

The CSAD did not confirm or deny any irregularities in Pimblett’s samples, which has only fueled further speculation online. Fans and pundits alike remain divided—some calling for patience, others insisting that the UFC must take a harder stance on drug testing transparency.

Michael Chandler Reacts

Michael Chandler, visibly shaken after the TKO loss, was asked about the allegations during a press appearance this week. While he stopped short of accusing Pimblett directly, his comments hinted at suspicion.

“I’m not here to point fingers without proof,” Chandler said. “But something felt… off. I’ve been in this sport a long time. That wasn’t the same Paddy I studied.”

Chandler has reportedly requested an internal review of the fight conditions, including pre-fight testing protocols and weigh-in procedures.

What’s Next?

Despite the controversy, Pimblett is already calling for a rematch.

“If they think it was a fluke, run it back. I’ll beat Chandler again, clean as a whistle.”

Whether the UFC will book a second fight between the two remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the cloud of suspicion over UFC 314 isn’t going away anytime soon.

As fans wait for test results and further statements, the MMA world remains on edge—divided between silent doubts and outspoken loyalty.