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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Mike Bohn

Why Jon Anik grew appreciation for Paddy Pimblett, believes ‘superstar status’ within reach at UFC 314

Jon Anik is impressed with Paddy Pimblett’s mentality going into the UFC 314 co-main event against Michael Chandler.

After taking a slow build to begin his octagon tenure, former Cage Warriors champion Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 6-0 UFC) will be tested unlike before when he meets former three-time Bellator titleholder and former UFC title challenger Chandler (23-9 MMA, 2-4 UFC) in a five-round lightweight bout Saturday at Kaseya Center in Miami (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN/Disney+, ESPN+).

A little more than a month prior to the event, lead UFC play-by-play commentator Anik, who will be cageside with Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier at UFC 314, had a lengthy sitdown with Pimblett to dig into the mindset of “The Baddy” going into fight night. Anik said his biggest takeaway from their conversation was a new appreciation from Pimblett about where he sits in the 155-pound title picture and where beating Chandler would position him going forward.

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