In the build-up to UFC 324, Dana White has drawn comparisons to a pivotal moment in MMA’s past.
Since signing with the UFC in 2021, Paddy Pimblett has had his share of sceptics questioning his credentials.
Pimblett has put together a seven-fight win streak inside the Octagon, which hasn’t gone unnoticed.
But despite that run, there are plenty of fans who still question whether he deserves a shot at Justin Gaethje and the interim lightweight title this weekend.
Dana White sees things differently. The UFC president sees parallels between Pimblett and Conor McGregor’s rise through the sport back in 2015.
Dana White draws comparison between Paddy Pimblett and Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor, early in his UFC journey, also faced scepticism from fans. Many expected him to stumble, but he went on to claim titles in two weight classes and carve out a place among the sport’s legends.
White sees similarities in how both fighters have navigated their careers.
Speaking to TMZ Sports recently, the UFC president drew a clear line between the two: “Well, he reminds me of the Conor McGregor story,” he said. “He came in with this great personality, and they were always overlooking him.”
“Every time they fought, everybody believed they were going to lose,” White continued. “Paddy has been that guy more so than Conor McGregor.”
This weekend’s matchup against Gaethje is another opportunity for Pimblett to prove himself against top competition.
Dana White comments on Conor McGregor’s comeback
Conor McGregor hasn’t set foot in the Octagon since he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier back at UFC 264 in July 2021.
The 37-year-old is targeting a return at the White House event on June 14. McGregor had wanted to face Michael Chandler, but Dana White dismissed that idea last week.
Recently, there has also been talk of a potential bout with Jorge Masvidal, but White didn’t hold back when asked about it.
“I didn’t hear that,” he said when questioned about the McGregor vs Masvidal rumours.
“That’s goofy s—. I don’t listen to any of that s— in the MMA world, literally none of that is on my algorithm.”
“So people say, ‘oh did you hear about?’ No. Literally almost everything you see on the internet about our sport is all wrong.”
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