Paddy Pimblett rejected offers from Bellator and the PFL and stated that no fighter dreams of fighting for either promotion, as they aspire to be in the UFC.
Paddy Pimblett, the UFC lightweight star, recently made it clear that he has no interest in fighting for Bellator or the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He revealed that early in his MMA career, he had considered walking away from fighting altogether because he wasn’t getting paid enough. However, he eventually signed with the UFC, and he’s proud to be a part of the organization.
During an interview with Severe MMA, Pimblett explained that he would have considered signing with Bellator or the PFL if they had offered him a contract earlier in his career when he was struggling financially. But, in his opinion, no one dreams of fighting for those organizations. He believes that almost every aspiring MMA fighter dreams of fighting and making a name for themselves in the UFC.
Pimblett acknowledged that he understood why some fighters choose to fight for the PFL or Bellator because of the financial incentives that the organizations offer. Still, he made it clear that his dream is to fight and succeed in the UFC, and going to Bellator or the PFL wouldn’t fulfill that desire.
While he fights under the UFC banner, Paddy Pimblett is currently recovering from ankle surgery. He won his last UFC fight in December against Jared Gordon but faced a lot of criticism for his performance. Despite that, he remains focused on his goals and is determined to continue making a name for himself in the UFC.
In conclusion, Paddy Pimblett’s recent interview highlights the high aspirations many MMA fighters have to fight in the UFC. It also underscores the importance of fair pay for fighters, as inadequate compensation can lead to talented fighters walking away from the sport. Although the PFL and Bellator offer financial incentives that some fighters find appealing, Pimblett’s comments suggest that the UFC remains the most coveted organization for most aspiring MMA fighters.