Following his dominant TKO win over Michael Chandler at UFC 314, lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett received high praise from UFC President Dana White in newly released backstage footage.
Before the fight, many believed Paddy “The Baddy” was just a kid in the octagon. However, he and Dana White proved everyone wrong in the company. That kind of conversation in the recent backstage video really caught everyone’s attention.
Dana White Embraces Paddy Pimblett Backstage
By brutally stopping Michael Chandler at UFC 314, Paddy Pimblett has now earned a spot in the UFC’s top ten lightweight rankings. He dominated Chandler both on the feet and on the ground, finishing the fight with a third-round TKO. His performance caught the media’s attention, and Dana White couldn’t stay silent for long.
In newly released backstage footage, White is seen embracing Pimblett and praising his victory. “Everybody keeps doubting you, man,” White told him. Pimblett, full of confidence, replied, “And then we prove them wrong every time.”
White’s reaction shows just how impressed he was with Pimblett’s mix of striking and grappling. This moment also signals the perfect time for White to start planning how to protect Paddy—who has the potential to become the company’s next golden goose.
Paddy Pimblett Surprisingly Didn’t Ask for a Title Shot
After breaking into the top 10 ranking, many expected Paddy Pimblett to call for a title shot. But surprisingly, he didn’t do that, even when Dana White encouraged him backstage. That may have shocked some fans, but the truth is, there are still several top-ranked fighters in the division, and Pimblett wants to earn his shot the right way.
He knows that to be worthy of a title shot, he has to beat those top contenders first. That’s why, instead of rushing, Pimblett expressed interest in facing elite opponents like Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, and Justin Gaethje.
Moreover, with UFC International Fight Week approaching soon, fans might not have to wait long to see him back in the Octagon—this time, against a top-tier opponent.
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