Dec 10, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Paddy Pimblett (red gloves) fights Jared Gordon (blue gloves) during UFC 282 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

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“I’ve Got The Best Fight IQ In Game, Other Than Jon Jones” – UFC Lightweight Boasts His Fight IQ Post UFC 314 Win

UFC lightweight triggers fans with bold statement comparing his fight IQ to that of Jon Jones!

Dec 10, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Paddy Pimblett (red gloves) fights Jared Gordon (blue gloves) during UFC 282 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

UFC is a place that is the ultimate goal of every fighter, and when that happens, the responsibility to market yourself comes along. Fighters who can back up their talk inside the octagon become legends, while those who can’t quickly fade into obscurity. In Liverpool, England, a star was born when Paddy Pimblett first stepped onto the MMA scene. With his bowl haircut and thick Scouse accent, he didn’t look like your typical fighter. But appearances can be deceiving. Paddy built his reputation on the regional circuit before the UFC came calling, bringing with him an army of passionate fans from his hometown.

When Pimblett finally arrived in the UFC, many questioned if he could hang with the elite. Critics pointed to his striking defense as a major weakness. Others wondered if his style would work against top-level competition. Despite these doubts, Paddy kept winning fights and building his following. His personality outside the cage – brash, funny, and unapologetically authentic, made him a promoter’s dream. By the time UFC 314 rolled around, he had earned a co-main event slot against Michael Chandler, a former title challenger and one of the most respected names in the lightweight division.

Also Read: Alexander Volkanovski Reclaims His Throne, Fighters React To ‘The Great’ One’s Achievement

Dominant Victory Over Michael Chandler Silences Critics

The pressure for Pimblett was enormous going into Saturday’s fight in Miami. Conor McGregor had publicly expressed interest in facing the winner, adding extra stakes to an already crucial matchup. Many experts predicted Chandler’s experience and power would be too much for the Liverpool native. Instead, Pimblett put on a clinic. He weathered Chandler’s early storm before finding his rhythm in the second round.

Fighters have “the moment” when their career arch changes.

Paddy Pimblett had his last night Vs Michael Chandler in what many believed was a fight Pimblett would lose and instead ROUTED Chandler in a 3rd Rd finish.

Welcome to the top of the division young man. #UFC314 pic.twitter.com/2wcYHH3l26
— That•Other•Sports•Show (@TeamTOSS21) April 13, 2025

By the third round, Paddy smelled blood in the water after a perfect knee that split Chandler’s face open. He capitalized and rained down punches until the referee had seen enough. The TKO victory was the biggest of his career, silencing critics and immediately vaulting him into the top ten of the lightweight rankings.

Bold Claims About Elite-Level Fight Intelligence

In the post-fight press conference, a confident Pimblett made a statement that raised eyebrows throughout the MMA community. He placed himself atop the fight IQ department, except for Jon Jones.

“I think I’ve got the best fight IQ in the game other than Jon Jones, I’ve got the best fight IQ in the game, I don’t think anyone’s got better fight IQ than me and I couldn’t wait to throw a 12-6 elbow.”

That is quite a claim considering the company it puts him in. Jon Jones is widely regarded as the greatest fighter of all time, known for his ability to adapt mid-fight and exploit opponents’ weaknesses. By placing himself second only to Jones, Paddy is putting himself above champions like Alexander Volkanovski, who reclaimed his title in the main event that same night.

Is Pimblett’s claim outlandish? Maybe. But that brash confidence is becoming increasingly backed by results. Whether his fight IQ truly ranks among the best in the sport remains debatable, but one thing is certain. Underestimating ‘The Baddy’ has become a dangerous proposition for anyone in the lightweight division.

(Image Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie – Imagn Images)

Jon Jones

Michael Chandler

Paddy Pimblett

UFC 314

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!