UFC president Dana White says Paddy Pimblett has 'all the tools to be a star' - but can he become a champion against Justin Gaethje?
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Published 23/01/2026 at 12:02 GMT
Paddy Pimblett faces the biggest moment in his UFC career on Saturday in Las Vegas when he locks horns with Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 for the title of interim lightweight champion. The Liverpudlian is full of confidence ahead of the fight and has impressed UFC president Dana White. White told TNT Sports that Pimblett "has all the tools to be a star" but needs to deliver the goods in the Octagon.
'He has all the tools to be a star' - White expects big things from Pimblett
Video credit: TNT Sports
UFC president Dana White believes Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett "has all the tools to be a star" but needs to show he can be a world champion against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324.
The British fighter will take to the Octagon for the interim lightweight belt in Las Vegas on Sunday morning, live on TNT Sports Box Office.
With reigning champion Ilia Topuria taking a break from the sport due to personal issues, Pimblett has earned a big chance to become interim world champion and fix a future date with the Georgian-Spanish great.
Standing in his path is 37-year-old former interim champion Gaethje, who Pimblett has vowed to "retire" at the weekend.
Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of the headline event in Las Vegas, White explained why a mouthwatering contest awaits.
"Justin has never been in a boring fight," White said.
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‘I can see me knocking him out’ – Pimblett pinpoints key to victory over Gaethje
Video credit: TNT Sports
"Paddy Pimblett is always the underdog and everyone thinks he’s going to lose, yet he’s undefeated in the UFC.
"I was told a minute ago, which was fascinating, that Paddy is the favourite in this fight. Interesting. And the winner will fight Topuria."
Pimblett heads to Vegas on a seven-fight win streak in the UFC, the last coming over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April 2025.
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According to White, the swagger and showmanship of the Liverpudlian give him star qualities, but he must back it up in the Octagon.
"Paddy has got what all the other stars have got," White said.
"He always finds a way to win, he’s not afraid to fight anybody, he’s great on camera, his entrance is always energetic and exciting.
"He has all the tools to be a star. The question is - can he be a world champion?"
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Watch: Every finish in Pimblett's meteoric rise to UFC stardom
Video credit: TNT Sports
How to watch UFC 324: Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett
UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett costs £19.99 in the UK and can be watched on discovery+, Sky, EE TV, Prime Video and Virgin Media TV.
You do not need to be a TNT Sports subscriber to buy this event.
discovery+ - TNT Sports Box Office events are available to purchase and watch in the discovery+ app – on smart TVs, computer or mobile device, viewers wanting to watch the fight should visit this page and follow instructions to subscribe and then purchase the event – customers will be able to purchase the event from Friday 16 January.
Sky - Customers can purchase TNT Sports Box Office on channel 490 via their remote control or via https://www.sky.com/boxoffice/tnt-sports
Customers in the Republic of Ireland can purchase TNT Sports Box Office via their remote control or via Sky at https://www.sky.com/boxoffice/tnt-sports for €29.99.
Sky Glass/Stream - Customers can purchase the event from 16 January using your Sky remote by selecting the event from the Sports menu.
Customers in the Republic of Ireland can purchase TNT Sports Box Office via their remote control or via Sky at https://www.sky.com/boxoffice/tnt-sports for €29.99.
Sky Glass/Stream - Customers can purchase the event from 16 January using your Sky remote by selecting the event from the Sports menu.
EE TV - Customers can purchase the event via their STB on channel 494.
Prime Video - This TNT Sports Box Office event will be available to buy and watch on Prime Video in the UK. Customers do not need to have any channel or Prime subscription to access. You can find live and upcoming PPV events in the "Live and upcoming events" row on the Prime Video homepage and sports page or by searching for a specific event title.
Virgin Media TV - Customers with a TiVo and/or V6 set-top-box should visit the on demand section and choose live events; customers with a Virgin TV 360 and/or steam set-top-box should go to the pay per view events rail.
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