Dana White was full of praise for Michael Chandler in the immediate aftermath of UFC 314.

On Saturday night, the former three-time Bellator lightweight champion fell to a fifth defeat since joining the UFC in 2021

Big KO wins over Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson are all he has to show for his 7-fight Octagon run.

Paddy Pimblett scored a vicious TKO win as he became the latest man to beat Michael Chandler at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

A 2-5 run in MMA’s premier promotion is usually enough to get a fighter cut from the roster.

However, axing Michael Chandler was the furthest thing from Dana White‘s mind after UFC 314.

In fact, the UFC boss heaped praise on the light contender by comparing him to a boxing legend.

“I mean, he’s always in the fight,” White said at his UFC 314 post-fight press conference.

“Tonight was a big night for Paddy Pimblett. Like we was just talking about, people have been doubting Paddy Pimblett every single fight he fights, and he’s undefeated in the UFC.

“Chander is like our Arturo Gatti, man. Every time that guy goes in, you know you’re in for a good fight, you know it’s gonna be a war, and you don’t know if he’s gonna win or lose.”

While Chandler’s UFC future is unclear, Pimblett seems destined for a top-five fight next.

‘The Baddy’ used his post-fight interview to call out former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.

“I respect Dustin [Poirier], Justin [Gaethje], and Charles,” Pimblett told Joe Rogan.

“Charles is the biggest legend out of them all, and he gets called the best submission artist the UFC’s ever seen.

“Well, I dispute that. I’m here! So, me versus Charles.”

Dana WhiteMichael ChandlerMMAPaddy PimblettUFCUFC 314