In an explosive buildup to UFC 314, Paddy Pimblett isn't holding back his thoughts on Michael Chandler, labeling him a 'dirty bastard' who plays by his own rules inside the Octagon.

The two fighters are set to clash in the co-main event at the Kaseya Center this Saturday, with Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 6-0 UFC) facing Chandler (23-9 MMA, 2-4 UFC). While Pimblett has found Chandler to be pleasant outside the cage, he’s bracing for a different experience once the fight begins.

"Outside the cage, he’s the nicest guy you’ll ever meet. But in there, he's a different story," Pimblett stated during a media day session. He acknowledged Chandler's relentless drive to win, remarking, "I always say if you’re not cheating, you’re not trying."

The stakes were raised further as Pimblett expressed concerns over potential questionable tactics, indicating he may alert the referee beforehand. "I’m definitely going to say something to the ref, like, ‘If he tries to grab my gloves or poke me in the eye, I’m going to speak up,'" he warned.

Pimblett's concerns are grounded in Chandler's controversial past, particularly his last match against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309, where he faced scrutiny for alleged eye pokes and illegal strikes to the back of the head.

The intensity of the situation is heightened as Pimblett hopes for a different referee this time around. "Just to be clear, I really don’t want Keith Peterson officiating my fight," he declared. "I’m looking for someone like Goddard or Herzog who will enforce fair play. I can't have a ref letting me get consistently rabbit punched in the back of the head!"

As the fight rapidly approaches, fans can expect a thrilling encounter filled with intense action, mind games, and perhaps a few unexpected twists. Will Pimblett's pre-fight wariness pay off? Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown at UFC 314!