LAS VRGAS – UFC president Dana White is sensing something special out of Paddy Pimblett.
Pimblett (19-3 MMA, 3-0 UFC) has become a high profile name in the sport after just three octagon appearances, the most recent of which saw him submit Jordan Leavitt in the second round of their lightweight bout at UFC Fight Night 208 this past weekend in London.
The charismatic Brit is a polarizing figure for many, but Pimblett is making the most of his opportunities. In fact, White likened “The Baddy” to the biggest star the sport has ever seen, former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor.
“To talk about championship stuff now it’s a little too soon, but he’s got that Conor McGregor vibe,” White told MMA Junkie and other reporters post-fight at DWCS 47 on Tuesday. “When he walks, when he’s in the arena, the way that the fans receive him, the way that the media covers him. The way that the people who search for content.”
Pimblett said after his latest win that it’s time for his to graduate from the UFC and take his career to the next level. To him, that meant moving off UFC Fight Night events and becoming a premier fighter on pay-per-view.
White said he agrees that should be the next step forward, and hinted is could happen before the end of the year.
“I think what we do next is we take him to either Boston or New York and he ends up on pay-per-view,” White said. “And then you bring him to Vegas.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 208.
Dana White: Rising UFC star Paddy Pimblett has ‘got that Conor McGregor vibe’
