Paddy Pimblett has quickly become one of the most talked-about fighters in the UFC, and as he prepares to step into the Octagon against Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight championship at UFC 324, the conversation around him has reached a new level.
What started as hype around a charismatic newcomer has now turned into a genuine debate: Is Paddy Pimblett already better than Conor McGregor was at this stage of his rise?
According to UFC President Dana White, the answer might be yes, and he believes UFC 324 will be the moment that settles it.
In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, White openly compared Pimblett’s UFC journey to Conor McGregor’s early run.
But he also made a bold claim: the public doubt surrounding Pimblett has been even stronger than what McGregor faced in his early years.
For the UFC boss, that doubt, and Pimblett’s continued success despite it, is exactly what makes the Liverpool star special.
With an undefeated UFC record and a chance to win gold for the first time, Pimblett now stands on the edge of proving himself as the next face of the lightweight division.
How Paddy Pimblett’s Rise Mirrors and Surpasses McGregor’s Early UFC Journey
When Conor McGregor burst onto the scene in 2013, fans instantly connected with his confidence, fighting style, and star power.
He was loud, charismatic, and backed up his talk with knockouts. Paddy Pimblett has shown those same ingredients: confidence, energy, and a personality that naturally draws people in.
But what separates Pimblett from McGregor, at least in Dana White’s view, is the level of doubt he has faced from the start.
White explained that when McGregor was climbing the ranks, people expected him to win more often than not. With Pimblett, it has been the opposite.
“Every time he fought, everybody believed he was going to lose,” White told TMZ. “Paddy has been that guy more so than Conor McGregor.”
Yet Pimblett kept winning, quieting critics one fight at a time.
That resilience, especially under intense public scrutiny, is one reason the UFC president believes Paddy’s rise could end up being even more impressive than McGregor’s.
He didn’t just enter as a highly marketed talent, he entered with half the audience waiting for him to fail.
And still, he’s undefeated in the promotion.
Pimblett’s UFC Record: Composure Under Pressure
Heading into UFC 324, Paddy Pimblett holds a 7-0 UFC record, a number McGregor did not reach before receiving his first title opportunity.
While the opponents and circumstances may differ, the significance is clear: Pimblett has done everything asked of him so far.
He has beaten six different styles of fighters, survived difficult moments, and shown improvement each step of the way. What stands out most is his ability to thrive when doubted.
Fans questioned his striking early on, but he out-struck and outworked veterans.
Analysts doubted whether his grappling would hold up against the dangerous opponents he submitted to.
Critics questioned his cardio, he proved he could push through extended fights.
For a fighter who was constantly labeled “hype,” his consistency has rewritten that narrative. Seven UFC wins without a loss speak louder than any hype video.
And now, with Justin Gaethje waiting in the opposite corner, Pimblett is stepping into the biggest test of his career, just as McGregor once did when facing the likes of Dustin Poirier and Chad Mendes.
The stakes are similar, but the noise around Pimblett feels even louder.
Justin Gaethje: The Wall Every Lightweight Prospect Must Climb
If Paddy Pimblett wants to prove he belongs among the top names in the lightweight division, there is no tougher test than Justin Gaethje.
Known for his violent fighting style, pressure, and championship-level experience, Gaethje has been waiting for another shot at UFC gold.
Dana White made it clear:
“Gaethje’s been wanting a shot at the title, so here we go.”
This isn’t just another fight for Paddy. It’s a defining moment not only for his trajectory in the sport but for the entire conversation about how he compares to McGregor.
Unlike some of McGregor’s early opponents, Gaethje arrives with years of experience against the best fighters in the world:
- Khabib
- Dustin Poirier
- Charles Oliveira
- Tony Ferguson
- Michael Chandler
Pimblett has faced tough competition, but no one of this caliber.
And that’s why UFC 324 is being treated as a turning point not just in Pimblett’s career but in the UFC’s effort to find its next global superstar.
Dana White’s Belief: Why the UFC Sees Paddy Pimblett as Their Next Crossover Star
The UFC president has never been shy about acknowledging when a fighter has superstar potential. He did it with McGregor, Ronda Rousey, Israel Adesanya, Khamzat Chimaev, and others.
Paddy Pimblett has now joined that list.
White’s belief isn’t based solely on fight results. It’s based on something far more valuable for the promotion: connection with fans.
Pimblett has:
- A massive UK following
- A rapidly growing American fan base
- Viral interviews and content
- A relatable personality
- Natural charisma that captures attention
Even when critics doubt him, they talk about him. And in the entertainment side of MMA, attention matters.
McGregor mastered the art of connecting with fans. Pimblett is doing something similar but with a different flavor, less sharp-edged trash talk, more humor, and authenticity.
His ability to entertain without forcing it makes him stand out in a new UFC era.
White sees the pattern, just as he did a decade ago with McGregor. And he believes UFC 324 could be the beginning of something huge.
Is Paddy Pimblett Better Than McGregor at the Same Stage?
The comparison depends on what metrics you choose.
1. UFC Record
- Pimblett: 7-0, undefeated
- McGregor at this point: A few losses earlier in his career, but a fast rise
In terms of pure UFC performance, Pimblett holds the edge.
2. Public Expectation
- McGregor had hype and support behind him.
- Pimblett has had skepticism since day one.
Overcoming doubt often takes more mental toughness than handling praise.
3. Pressure Moments
Both fighters thrived under pressure, but Pimblett faced pressure even before entering main events.
4. Path to Title Shot
Pimblett’s title shot opportunity, an interim belt, is coming relatively early, similar to McGregor’s trajectory.
5. Fan Appeal
McGregor brought intensity, confidence, and national pride.
Pimblett brings humor, realness, and a lighter personality that appeals to modern audiences.
Conclusion of Comparison
At the same point in their UFC journeys, Pimblett’s resume and circumstances show that he might indeed be performing better and under much heavier scrutiny.
UFC 324: The Night That Can Redefine Paddy Pimblett’s Career
This fight isn’t just another step. It is the gateway to a new level of respect.
A victory over Justin Gaethje would give Pimblett:
- His first UFC title
- A top-tier victory over one of the most dangerous fighters in the division
- Validation of Dana White’s comparisons
- A seat at the table among the sport’s elite
- Global recognition similar to McGregor’s early rise
It would also permanently silence many of the criticisms that have hovered over him since entering the UFC.
If Pimblett wins, he becomes more than a rising star; he becomes the new face of the lightweight division.
Why This Moment Matters More Than Any Other in Pimblett’s Career
Paddy Pimblett is no longer the newcomer trying to prove he belongs. He is now stepping into championship territory, and every move from here on will shape how the world views him.
This fight matters because:
- It is his first real chance to fight for gold
- It puts him against a dangerous contender with years of experience
- It validates or dismisses the comparisons to McGregor
- It could shift the future of the lightweight division
Every generation needs a star. The UFC believes Pimblett might be the next one.
But stars aren’t born, they’re forged in fights like this.
Could Paddy Pimblett Become the Defining Star of This New UFC Era?
McGregor has been the biggest MMA star of the modern era, but new fans and new generations crave new superstars. The UFC thrives on personalities who can draw global attention.
Pimblett has every ingredient:
- A loyal UK fan base similar to McGregor’s Irish fan base
- A viral presence across social media
- A perfect UFC record
- A personality that appeals to casual and hardcore fans
- A style that makes people tune in, win or lose
If he defeats Justin Gaethje, the conversation immediately shifts from “future star” to “next major superstar.”
The UFC needs a face to lead the next great wave. Pimblett could be it.
Final Thoughts: UFC 324 Could Prove Paddy Pimblett Is Better Than Conor McGregor at This Stage
Paddy Pimblett’s rise has been dramatic, polarizing, and undeniably impressive. With seven straight UFC wins and a chance to compete for the interim lightweight title, he stands at the brink of something enormous.
Dana White’s comparison to Conor McGregor isn’t casual; it’s a sign of how the UFC views Pimblett’s potential.
The UFC president believes Pimblett has faced more doubt, more criticism, and more pressure than McGregor did early on, yet has managed to remain undefeated.
UFC 324 is the ultimate test.
It’s the night that could:
- Validate his rise
- Prove his critics wrong
- Confirm Dana White’s belief
- And show the world that Paddy Pimblett is not just following McGregor’s path—
He might be walking it better.
If Pimblett wins the interim title by defeating Justin Gaethje, he won’t just be the next big name.
He’ll be the fighter who proved he could carve his own legacy, one that stands proudly beside, or even above, McGregor’s early UFC rise.
And that is why UFC 324 could be the most important night of his career.
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