Former box champion Paulie Marignaggi believes Paddy Pinblett could be making millions of dollars as a professional boxer.
Since taking on his Octagon debut in 2021, “The Baddy” has emerged as one of the top UFC stars, earning a whopping $400,000 in his latest victory over former Bellator title holder Iron Michael Chandler.
It’s definitely a great chunk of change for Ribapudrian, but according to Marignaggi he was able to make more money with 8 ounces of gloves.
“Paddy Pimblett is a guy big enough that if he’s a boxer, his base (wallet) starts at probably $20 million,” Malignaggi said in an interview courtesy of Spingeny. “He is probably one of the biggest, if not the biggest star in MMA, because that’s what you’re talking about now.
“So we need to compare him to the biggest star of boxing sports that moves the needle like that, and to tell the truth, the people at MMA move the needle more than perhaps the biggest boxers.
“So, at the very least, Paddy will start at $20 million in his next fight and pay per viewpoint, which I say. This is the model we have in boxing.”
Paddy Pimblett is in the cusp of his first UFC title opportunity
You’ll probably see a pinblet step into a square circle one day. But for now, “The Baddy” appears to be totally happy to continue moving forward with its lightweight rankings.
Pinblett, who won Chandler at UFC 314, went up to eighth in the 155-pound ranking and avoided one big win from his first shot at the top prize in the category.