Dana White reveals how Paddy Pimblett is outperforming McGregor ahead of UFC 324

DANA WHITE believes Paddy Pimblett has outperformed Conor McGregor in one specific aspect of his meteoric rise. ‘The Baddy’ became an instant fan favourite after making his spectacular octagon debut in September 2021. Pimblett’s braggadociousness, coupled with several show-stopping finishes, saw him immediately compared to McGregor – the UFC‘s poster boy for the last decade. Like McGregor, Pimblett has had to listen to his fair share of doubters on his rise to title contention. And like the Irishman, his first title fight, which headlines UFC 324 in Las Vegas on Sunday morning, will be for interim gold. White sees the similarities between McGregor and Pimblett’s respective ascents to stardom. But the UFC supremo believes the detractors and doubters have been much more vocal during Pimblett’s rise. He told TMZ: “He reminds me of the Conor McGregor story. “He came in with this great personality, and they were always overlooked. “Every time he fought, everybody believed he was going to lose, and Paddy has been that guy more so than Conor McGregor.” Standing between Pimblett and UFC gold is former interim titleholder Justin Gaethje. Devastating power puncher Gaethje marks a huge step up in competition for Pimblett, who passed his last litmus test in Michael Chandler with flying colours last April. White said of Pimblett’s clash with ‘The Highlight’: “This is a huge test for him. “Gaethje’s been wanting a shot at the title, so here we go.” Pimblett will deserve immense praise should he get the better of Gaethje. But the 31-year-old doesn’t foresee himself getting any credit if he adds the human highlight reel to his own. When asked if he thinks people will stop doubting him if he beats Gaethje, Pimblett replied: “No. “The goalposts [will] get moved again. “Before this fight, it’s, ‘He’s getting knocked out, he can’t strike with Gaethje, he’s going to have to take him down straight away.’ “As soon as I win, it’s going to be ‘Gaethje’s old, Gaethje’s past it.’”