Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett just pulled off the biggest win of his career — and the MMA world is still trying to wrap its head around it.

At UFC 314 in Miami, Pimblett shocked fans by submitting veteran superstar Michael Chandler in the second round of their co-main event clash. While the crowd roared in disbelief, the reactions online — especially from fellow UFC fighters — were instant, emotional, and in some cases, hilarious.

Here’s a roundup of what fighters across the UFC had to say about Paddy’s huge win and Chandler’s uncertain future.

Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA)

“Paddy lad!!! You fookin’ did it!! Liverpool on TOP!! Chandler’s still a savage but that was clean work! 🍀🇮🇪🇬🇧”

No surprise that McGregor — who has always supported Paddy’s rise — chimed in within minutes. The Irish superstar praised both fighters and even teased a “UK vs Ireland supercard” later this year.

Justin Gaethje (@Justin_Gaethje)

“Damn. Didn’t see that coming. Respect to Chandler for always bringing the heat. Paddy earned that one.”

Gaethje, who fought Chandler in one of the greatest fights in UFC history, tipped his cap to both men and gave Pimblett credit for rising to the moment.

Islam Makhachev (@MAKHACHEVMMA)

“Good performance by Paddy. Lightweight division is deep. Let’s see how far he can go.”

The lightweight champ kept it short and cold — typical Islam. But even he acknowledged the moment, suggesting that Paddy now enters the broader title picture.

Sean O’Malley (@SugaSeanMMA)

“Yo… PADDY’S FOR REAL. Bro just made Chandler tap out 😳”

O’Malley, the UFC bantamweight champion and social media star, reacted like many fans — surprised, impressed, and ready to jump on the hype train.

🇧🇷 Charles Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs)

“Respect to Chandler always. Big night for Paddy. He’s in the mix now.”

The former lightweight champ and one of the most humble figures in the sport took the respectful route, acknowledging Chandler’s legacy while congratulating Pimblett.

Dustin Poirier (@DustinPoirier)

“Not gonna lie — that was slick. Clean work Paddy.”

Coming from someone who knows what it’s like to be in the top 5 for nearly a decade, Poirier’s approval carries serious weight.

Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson)

“Paddy just cashed in on ALL that internet hate. That was nasty. Real talk.”

Brunson, always quick with a funny take, summed up what a lot of fans were thinking: Paddy Pimblett just flipped the narrative in a huge way.

Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170)

“Paddy washed Chandler?? This card is INSANE. UFC 314 might be card of the year.”

The welterweight contender was one of many fighters who declared UFC 314 an instant classic.

 More Notable Reactions:

Ilia Topuria: “Liverpool got a lion. Respect.”

Kevin Holland: “I still don’t like him, but that was fire.”

Aljamain Sterling: “Paddy’s jiu-jitsu underrated. Real talk.”

Henry Cejudo: “That was championship-level composure.”

 Chandler’s Future? Fighters React

While much of the attention was on Paddy, many fighters also showed love to Michael Chandler, who may have just fought his final UFC fight.

Dan Hooker: “Warrior. No matter what, Chandler gave the fans classics.”

Tony Ferguson: “One of the toughest ever. RESPECT.”

Rafael dos Anjos: “Paddy may have won, but Chandler built this division with blood.”

 What This Means for Paddy

Following this win, Pimblett is expected to enter the top 10 of the lightweight division. UFC president Dana White confirmed at the post-fight presser:

“He’s legit now. You beat a guy like Chandler, you’re not a prospect anymore. You’re a contender.”

Final Word

Paddy Pimblett’s submission of Michael Chandler didn’t just shock the fans — it sent shockwaves through the entire UFC roster. From legends to rising stars, fighters everywhere are acknowledging: Paddy’s time might truly be here.

Respect from your peers? That’s when you know it’s real.