Paddy Pimblett calls out Conor McGregor for Wembley showdown after Irishman backed rival Michael Chandler to knock him out at UFC 314

By LEWIS BROWNING

Paddy Pimblett has called out Conor McGregor for a Wembley showdown after the Irishman backed rival Michael Chandler to knock out the lightweight.

Pimblett earned the biggest win of his career on Saturday night when he stopped Chandler in the third round of their co-main event fight at UFC 314 – a win that took him into the top 10 of his division’s rankings.

McGregor had placed a staggering $500,000 (£382,000) bet on Chandler and Pimblett’s showdown at UFC 314 in Miami.

McGregor, who took an interest in the fight in a tease suggesting he could make his much-anticipated return against the winner, tipped Chandler to win via KO. The two had been rivals and set to fight last year until the Irishman pulled out due to a toe injury.

Currently in Dubai after his trip to the United States to meet Donald Trump, McGregor revealed he would keep a close eye on the co-main event at Kaseya Center and has sensationally put his money where his mouth is.

That backfired, though, and Pimblett took to the mic after the bout to call out McGregor for a bout – at Wembley in London.

WARNING: Strong language 

Paddy Pimblett (pictured) has called out Conor McGregor for a Wembley bout in the near future

McGregor wagered $500,000 on Michael Chandler to beat Paddy Pimblett via KO at UFC 314

Pimblett, though, secured the biggest win of his career as he stopped Chandler in round three

‘Oh yeah,’ Pimblett told TNT Sports post-fight. ‘He said he put a bet on Chandler to win by knockout.

‘F***ing hell, Conor. Should have mentioned him in he cage, you little lizard.

‘If you’re coming back lad, let’s do it. Wembley, Croke Park, you could get excited about that. You could do it at Wembley. Me and Conor sells Wembley out, sells Anfield out, sells Croke Park out.

‘Stop sleeping on the bad man, or you get slept.’

Posting on X on Saturday night, McGregor said: ‘The Notorious is BACK with @Duelbits, baby! I’m callin’ it – Chandler by BRUTAL KO!’ 

In the following video, McGregor added: ‘The fight I’m interested in, Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett, I’m going to go with Michael Chandler to win and win by KO.

‘I know Paddy’s improved in his last few outings, but I still fancy Chandler to do it.’

It was Pimblett who was victorious, though, and called out the former featherweight and lightweight champion.

He had ‘welcomed’ a potential bout in the build-up, admitting that was ‘where the money’s at’ – though it seems it will take some effort to get McGregor back in the octagon – despite a social media post showing him returning to training. 

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Paddy Pimblett calls out Conor McGregor for Wembley showdown after Irishman backed rival Michael Chandler to knock him out at UFC 314

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