Pimblett rejects Chandler's knockout taunts

Paddy Pimblett said his "chin is made of granite" as he rebuffed Michael Chandler's knockout taunts before their fight at UFC 314 on Saturday.

The pair engaged in a friendly verbal back-and-forth before a face-off that ended in smiles at a news conference promoting the event in Miami, Florida.

Liverpool's Pimblett has never been knocked out, winning 22 of his 25 bouts since his debut in 2012.

"Everyone thinks I'm getting knocked out because I leave my chin high but this chin's made of granite," said Pimblett, who was cheered by fans.

"I'm not getting knocked out, I've never been knocked out before but Mike has and I'll do it again on Saturday."

Pimblett, 30, is 12th in the UFC lightweight rankings while America's Chandler is five places above him in seventh.

The bout represents the biggest of Pimblett's career as he looks to build on his six-fight winning streak in the UFC.

The pair have been respectful to each other during fight week, with Pimblett joking Chandler is a "dirty fighter" but adding "if you're not cheating, you're not trying".

UFC commentator Jon Anik described the contest as a contender for "fight of the night" at the Kaseya Centre, while Chandler said the bout will be "the people's main event".

"All respect to what Paddy has done in this sport – he's earned the right to be in this spot but I have proven over the last couple of decades I deserve to be in this spot as well," said Chandler, who was also cheered by fans.

"This is the people's main event, I'm going to find that chin and I'm going to find it early."

The fight is second on the card, before the featherweight title bout between Australian former champion Alexander Volkanovski and Brazil's Diego Lopes.

Should Pimblett win, he said he is targeting a fight against a top-five opponent later in the year, before a potential lightweight title shot in 2025.