Paddy Pimblett is doing something at UFC 324 he’s already told Dana White will never happen again

Paddy Pimblett has warned the UFC and Dana White in advance not to expect a repeat.

The former Cage Warriors champion has his first chance to attain gold on MMA’s biggest stage at Saturday’s UFC 324 event in Las Vegas.

Having won all seven of his fights inside the Octagon, the Scouser’s toughest test to date comes in the first main event on Paramount+. In the absence of champion Ilia Topuria, Pimblett will fight Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title.

One aspect of Pimblett’s first title shot has left him less than pleased in recent weeks — and he’s vowing to never let it happen again…

Paddy Pimblett rules out fighting in January again after UFC 324

UFC 324 will mark a new experience for Pimblett, as he fights in January for the first time in his career.

But judging by his remarks while being interviewed by new UFC host Kate Scott during CBS’ coverage of the UEFA Champions League, ‘The Baddy’ does not plan on making it a habit.

He sent a message to Dana White and his promotion, telling them to not even bother offering him fights at this time moving forward because he has no intention of accepting.

“I’ve never fought this early before. This is the earliest I’ve ever fought,” Pimblett said.

“I’m never, ever fighting in January or February ever again. I just hope everyone at the UFC knows that, because it ruined my Christmas, ruined my birthday.

“I’ll never be fighting this early in the year again,” he continued. “Next year, get on me in March.”

With that in mind, it does not appear that a title crowning in 2026 will result in Pimblett scaling back his plans to go all in at Christmas this year, having missed out in late 2025.