Paddy Pimblett had to be pulled away from a backstage fight with Colby Covington after his huge UFC 314 win over Michael Chandler on Saturday night. The Liverpudlian recorded his biggest career win to date in Miami, out-grappling his rival before sealing a TKO verdict in the third round.

The referee ended the contest following repeated ground strikes from Pimblett. It signified a seventh straight win for the 30-year-old since signing with Dana White, and took his overall MMA record to 23-3. Afterwards, he used his post-fight interview to call out Brazilian fighting icon Charles Oliviera.

However, as Pimblett was issuing his challenge he was interrupted by Covington.’Chaos’ began shouting insults and caught the attention of his rival as he accused him of “fighting scrubs.”

‘The Baddy’ reacted by threatening to “slap” the American. He then lunged forward as security members struggled to pull both fighters away from each other.

After regaining his composure, Pimblett then accused the controversial Covington of trying to stage a showdown for the media. “I have no idea what started it,” he said. “I think he did it because there was a camera.

“He came over and started chatting s**t. Said something about Chandler obly being two and four in his last six. He’s an absolute bummer, he’s nearly 40, he’s trying to stay relevant by jumping on me while there is a camera there.”

Former UFC welterweight champion Covington has long been a divisive figure in his sport. An outspoken supporter of Donald Trump, he’s previously criticised the Black Lives Matter movement and verbally feuded with NBA star LeBron James.

He hasn’t won in the octagon since December 2022 when he beat Jorge Masvidal, since losing to Leon Edwards and Joaquin Buckley. Pimblett dismissed suggestions the confrontation would pave the way for a bout between the pair, insisting his priority was a fight with Oliviera.