UFC’s Paddy Pimblett says he’ll make more money for next fight ‘no matter what,’ OK if it’s not in London

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UFC’s Paddy Pimblett says he’ll make more money for next fight ‘no matter what,’ OK if it’s not in London

LONDON – If rising British star Paddy Pimblett’s next fight isn’t in the U.K., it’s OK with him.

Pimblett, a former Cage Warriors champion, was third billing this past March at UFC Fight Night 204 in London, but he might as well have been the main attraction. He sent fans at The O2 Arena into a frenzy with his walkout, which only continued during his fight and then ratcheted up after his first-round submission of Rodrigo Vargas.

With the event ranking up there as one of the most memorable the UFC ever has hosted in London, the promotion is set to return with another Fight Night on July 23. Pimblett’s next fight booking on that card should be automatic. But as of this past weekend, it was still up in the air. And Pimblett said he doesn’t care one way or the other.

“It doesn’t bother me where to fight to be honest,” Pimblett told reporters, alongside fellow British fighter Molly McCann. “No matter where or when to fight in the U.K., the (gate) will sell out. I think it’s the same in Vegas or anywhere else to be honest. It’s that simple.”

McCann, who was also a star that night at UFC Fight Night 204, has signed on to face Hannah Goldy in London. What could be the holdup with Pimblett? Could it be money?

Pimblett (18-3 MMA, 2-0 UFC) raised eyebrows after UFC Fight Night 204 by revealing he earned just $12,000 to show and $12,000 to win (though he also received a $50,000 fight-night bonus). Although the terms of Pimblett’s contract aren’t known, he said his earnings will increase “no matter what” for his next fight.

“No matter what, I’ll be getting paid more for my next fight anyway, no matter where it is,” Pimblett said. “Whether it’s London or a pay-per-view in America, I’ll be getting paid more.”

As for whom or the level of opponent he could meet next, that also is of no concern.

“It doesn’t bother me,” said Pimblett, who’s on a four-fight winning streak. “I’ll fight whoever they put in front of me. Just Sean Shelby picks my fights. Whoever I get sent on a contract, I’ll fight. … I enjoy having a fistfight.”

UFC’s Paddy Pimblett says he’ll make more money for next fight ‘no matter what,’ OK if it’s not in London