In a thrilling lead-up to UFC 314, Michael Chandler received a crucial warning from teammate Gilbert Burns regarding the perils of grappling with rising star Paddy Pimblett. Burns, who is no stranger to high-level competition himself, recognized the exceptional grappling skills that Pimblett possesses, a talent he showcased during their recent training session in Manchester.

With a career trajectory that has included a debut watched by none other than Conor McGregor, Pimblett is now on the brink of contending for a world title—a remarkable journey for the Scouser. As the stakes elevate at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Chandler must remain wary of the submission threat that Pimblett brings into the octagon.

Gilbert Burns: 'Keep the Fight Standing!'

In a recent episode of UFC Embedded, Burns emphasized a critical strategy for Chandler: "Michael is ready, he’s facing a guy that’s very tough. I had the honor to grapple with Paddy; he’s got high-level grappling skills. The key for Michael is to keep the fight on the feet. If he has to grapple, he should take him down and ground and pound, but we don’t want to grapple with a grappler."

The Battle of Strategies: Can Chandler Hold His Ground?

While many analysts predict a submission victory for Pimblett, not everyone is convinced. Some believe that Chandler’s striking prowess could lead him to victory without ever needing to venture into grappling territory. With the clash of styles heating up, fans eagerly await what promises to be an electrifying showdown.

As the countdown to UFC 314 continues, all eyes will be on how Chandler approaches this formidable challenge. Will he heed the advice of his teammate and stick to striking, or dare to grapple with one of the sport’s top talents? One thing is certain: the fight is shaping up to be a must-watch event.