[autotag]Paddy Pimblett[/autotag] said something was being made out of nothing about his contract status ahead of UFC 304, and it looks like he was right.
After he mentioned being courted by social media influencer-types for boxing matches, the storyline quickly became he was on the last fight of his UFC deal and had the potential to leave for other opportunities.
Pimblett quickly shut that down and asked why he would leave the UFC and said a new deal was being worked on at the time. In the fifth episode of the UFC 304 behind-the-scenes “Embedded” video series that was released Friday, Pimblett confirms on camera he has signed a new deal.
In addition, his manager, Cage Warriors promoter Graham Boylan, confirmed his client had re-upped with the promotion.
The Baddy has signed a new deal with @ufc he’s very happy to see his value has been acknowledged & handsomely rewarded. Congrats to all involved. 👊🏼
— Graham Boylan 🇮🇪 ☘️ (@GrahamBoylan) July 26, 2024
Earlier in the week, Pimblett lamented the news cycle that focused on the possibility he could leave the UFC.
“Nothing I do cannot be spun out of context,” Pimblett said Wednesday. “What I said in the interview was, obviously I want to get a new contract. If I got offered millions to box some YouTuber, then I’d do it. Who wouldn’t? We’re prizefighters. … My contract is already getting negotiated. As if the UFC is just going to let me go. Are you f*cking messing?”
Pimblett (21-3 MMA, 5-0 UFC) on Saturday takes on longtime UFC lightweight King Green (32-15-1 MMA, 13-10-1 UFC) at Co-op Live in the featured fight on the main card. Pimblett, 29, a former Cage Warriors champion, is one of Europe’s biggest UFC stars. He’s yet to lose in the promotion through five appearances.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.