UFC president Dana White was effusive in his praise for Paddy Pimblett following UFC 329, saying Pimblett carried himself like a world champion. White's glowing post-event review signals the promotion's high regard for the Liverpool native.
UFC president Dana White delivered a glowing assessment of Paddy Pimblett in the wake of UFC 329, declaring that the Liverpool lightweight conducted himself like a world champion throughout the event.
Pimblett, 31, holds a professional record of 24 wins and 4 losses and is currently ranked sixth in the lightweight division. The Baddy, who trains out of Next Generation MMA Liverpool, stands five-foot-ten with a 73-inch reach and competes out of an orthodox stance. His offensive output is among the more prolific in the division, with 5.48 significant strikes landed per minute at 52 percent accuracy, while he also contributes on the ground with 1.4 submission attempts per 15 minutes — a figure that underscores his active grappling approach.
White stopped short of making any formal announcements but his remarks were emphatic enough to suggest the promotion views Pimblett as a rising priority in one of the UFC's most competitive weight classes. Praise of this nature from the president has historically signaled an accelerated path toward high-profile matchups.
Why it matters
- Pimblett's sixth-place ranking puts him within striking distance of the top five in a stacked lightweight division
- White's public endorsement amplifies pressure on matchmakers to book Pimblett against elite-level opposition
- His combination of high striking volume and active submission game makes him a stylistically dangerous opponent for any contender
- A strong showing at UFC 329 could accelerate his trajectory toward a title eliminator
Saturday, July 11, 2026
