Paddy Pimblett’s teammate, Chasen Blair, faced a dramatic setback during his second appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series, suffering a knockout that has since gone viral. The incident took place on September 10, 2025, when Blair faced Samuel Sanches, who quickly showcased his striking prowess. The fight ended with a stunning stoppage, marking a significant moment in both fighters’ careers.
Sanches made an explosive entrance into the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) with a nine-punch combination that left Blair unconscious. The knockout occurred just over two minutes into the first round, following a grappling exchange near the fence. As the seventh punch connected with Blair’s temple, he collapsed to the canvas, prompting an enthusiastic reaction from the audience. Sanches continued to land two additional punches before the referee intervened.
Dana White, the UFC’s CEO, expressed his astonishment at the knockout. “This is one of the craziest knockouts I’ve ever seen,” he stated while announcing Sanches’ contract with the UFC. He praised Sanches for his performance, noting that he is only 22 years old and has an impressive record of 11 wins and one loss, including seven first-round finishes. “I have very high hopes for you. Welcome to the UFC,” White added, highlighting the potential he sees in the young fighter.
Paddy Pimblett’s Upcoming Challenges
While Blair’s setback is a significant moment in his career, his teammate Paddy Pimblett continues to make headlines of his own. Pimblett achieved a notable victory against Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April 2025, winning the bout by TKO in the third round. Following this victory, Pimblett confronted Ilia Topuria, who became the lightweight champion at UFC 317 in June 2025.
Pimblett has expressed his desire to challenge for the title, aiming to surpass competitors like Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan. As preparations for his next fight intensify, Pimblett has begun focusing on refining his striking techniques, particularly in anticipation of facing Topuria. “I’ve got to get that striking timing better if I’m fighting El Chorizo (Ilia Topuria). That’s a lot of what I’m going to work on,” he explained.
He compared his grappling skills to those of Khamzat Chimaev, stating, “My grappling always feels phenomenal. When I get people on the floor, they don’t get up, like Khamzat against DDP (Dricus du Plessis).” As Pimblett gears up for his next fight, the MMA community is keen to see how he will leverage his experience and training adjustments to secure another victory in the octagon.
The future remains uncertain for Blair following his knockout loss, but his teammate’s journey continues to captivate fans and analysts alike. As both fighters navigate their respective paths, the world of mixed martial arts eagerly anticipates their next moves.
