Paddy Pimblett and 4 other UFC fighters with reckless fighting styles
UFC fighters come in all shapes and sizes, diversifying their respective skill-sets to set them apart from their divisional rivals. Some mixed martial artists are masters at operating from a range where their strikes connect but their opponents' strikes don't. These include the likes of Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson and Israel 'The Last Stylebender' Adesanya.
Other fighters, however, are more willing to march into the line of fire. They're not necessarily reckless, but they're less risk-averse. These are mixed martial artists willing to sit in the pocket and throw shorter, tighter strikes than can only be thrown if the fighter in question is willing to be counter-struck. The more action-minded fighters, however, cross the border from risky to reckless.
Rising UFC lightweight star Paddy Pimblett recently reflected on his UFC Fight Night 208 bout with Jordan Leavitt and expressed how much he enjoyed fighting and, in particular, being punched in the face. With Pimblett's statement and fighting style taken into account, this list looks at 5 fighters, including 'The Baddy' himself, who employ reckless fighting styles inside the octagon.
Check out Paddy's appearance on the Pat McAfee show below:
#5. Michael Chandler
Former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler is as explosive as a fighter can possibly be. Unfortunately, Chandler fights as though he's the only lightweight with enough power to bring his bouts to a sudden end. The one-time UFC lightweight title challenger fights from a wide stance, overexposing his lead leg to low kicks.
es.pn/319LEa1"Easily one of the nicest left hooks I've ever seen in the Octagon." 😤
@dc_mma looks back on Charles Oliveira's KO of Michael Chandler in the latest episode of Detail ➡️ es.pn/319LEa1 https://t.co/T87jcq3h8O
However, Chandler's issues with checking low kicks are the least of his concerns. The former All-American wrestler steps in very deep with every punch he throws. While it renders his punches extraordinarily powerful, it also makes him prone to running into counter-punches like Charles Oliveira's counter-left hook.
Chandler's approach in the cage isn't just reckless because of his stylistic choices. His overall decision-making process sometimes raises eyebrows, such as his decision to slam Charles Oliveira on his back when the Brazilian had secured a back-mount: an action that even Chandler himself was subsequently self-critical over.