Dana White has recently compared Paddy Pimblett to a young Conor McGregor. The UFC CEO noted that Pimblett has a similar star quality. White highlighted Pimblett’s charisma, fan reception, and media attention, which remind him of McGregor’s early days. Here is what happened:
Dana White recently sat down to have a conversation with Jim Rome. The UFC CEO commented on the similarities between Paddy Pimblett and Conor McGregor. The McGregor from 2013-16 had many detractors, and he proved all of them wrong. As such, the UFC CEO sees something similar for Pimblett.
He reminds me of Conor when Conor first started. Because everybody said, ‘Oh, Conor’s not that good, all the hype, and this and that,’ and they just keep sticking it to everybody every time they fight.
Dana White via Jim Rome Show
Pimblett is not yet a championship contender. However, White believed that his potential was huge and that his popularity was rapidly growing. The Liverpudlian recently defeated Bobby Green at UFC 304 via first-round submission. Except for the fight against Jared Gordon, the British star has performed well in every fight so far.
⚡️Dana White said that Paddy Pimblet reminds him of young Conor McGregor
“He reminds me of Conor [McGregor] when he first started. Everybody were saying that Conor is not that good… and they just keep sticking it to everybody everytime they fight. Paddy is one of those guys.… pic.twitter.com/b4ScLgD3sd
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) August 13, 2024
Conor McGregor and Paddy Pimblett share a similar rapid rise in popularity and ability to engage fans. Both fighters burst onto the scene with strong personalities, bold trash talk, and a knack for generating attention. They also share a history of being Cage Warriors champions before entering the UFC. It will be interesting to see if ‘Paddy the Baddy’ can reach the heights McGregor achieved.
Sean Strickland once trolled Paddy Pimblett for wanting to be like Conor McGregor
While Pimblett reminds Dana White of Conor McGregor, not everybody looks at the similarities fondly. Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland suddenly took aim at the Liverpudlian one day to roast him on trying to be like the Irish UFC superstar.
Sean Strickland (via Imago)
Sean Strickland took aim at Paddy Pimblett during an interview with MMA Weekly back at the UFC Vegas 66 media day. ‘Tarzan’ labeled him a “Conor McGregor wannabe” and criticized Pimblett for not being authentic while slamming his appearance, specifically mocking his bowl haircut.
Look at Paddy, the f***ing Conor McGregor wannabe. Like, you don’t want to see that f***ing guy with his g*y little f***ing bowl cut. You can’t relate to that f***ing guy. That English little f***ing prick.
Sean Strickland via UFC Vegas 66 media day
Strickland’s comments came unprovoked as he was addressing his own press conference appeal. ‘Tarzan’ asserted that he “makes the press conferences.” Thus, Strickland was simply comparing what he saw as Pimblett’s forced attempts to imitate McGregor. Nevertheless, both fighters don’t have any animosity towards each other as seen from their interactions.
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