Paddy Pimblett has no interest in competing at the UFC White House event.
In coordination with the U.S. government, the UFC has unveiled plans for a historic fight event set for June 14 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Several elite MMA stars, including Jon Jones, Alex Pereira, Conor McGregor, and Khamzat Chimaev, have already thrown their names into the mix and shown keen interest in competing at the one-of-a-kind event.
However, Pimblett, who has a chance to capture the interim lightweight title in the UFC 324 main event against Justin Gaethje this Saturday, has little interest in appearing on the White House card, even if it means a title unification bout with reigning 155-pound champion Ilia Topuria, for one specific reason.
Paddy Pimblett Uninterested In Ilia Topuria Fight At White House Event
During a recent interview with UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping, Paddy Pimblett was asked about the possibility of facing UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria at the UFC White House event if he defeats Justin Gaethje this weekend.
“The Baddy,” who previously revealed he purchased nearly 250 tickets to ensure his entire team, family, and friends could attend his UFC 324 fight in Las Vegas, admitted the prestigious June 14 card holds little appeal for him.
With a tightly restricted and high-profile guest list, Pimblett said the event would prevent him from having his closest supporters cageside, making it an easy decision to pass on the landmark show.
I don’t really want to fight on the White House card because I wouldn’t be able to have all my friends and family there,” Pimblett said. “It’s by invitation only. I wouldn’t want to leave anyone out.”
Paddy Pimblett last competed at UFC 314 in April 2025, where he scored an knockout victory over Michael Chandler. “The Baddy” remains unbeaten through seven UFC appearances and owns dominant wins over Tony Ferguson, King Green, and Jordan Leavitt.
