Liverpool mixed martial arts star Paddy Pimblett is reportedly set to surrender a substantial portion of his fight earnings following his recent defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. The charismatic scrapper, known as 'The Baddy', is facing a significant financial deduction that could see him lose nearly half of his reported £1.1 million purse to tax authorities.
Lucrative Night in Las Vegas Ends With Financial Reality Check
Despite suffering a unanimous decision loss to American veteran Justin Gaethje in their interim lightweight title bout in Las Vegas, Pimblett's performance proved financially rewarding on paper. According to betting platform BetMGM, the Liverpudlian fighter pocketed an impressive $1,532,000 (approximately £1.1 million) for his efforts inside the octagon.
His opponent Gaethje reportedly took home an even larger sum of $2,892,000 (around £2.1 million) for his victory. Both combatants also received an additional $100,000 bonus after their thrilling contest was awarded 'Fight of the Night' honours under the UFC's newly enhanced bonus system.
Enhanced UFC Bonus Structure Offers Silver Lining
The financial landscape of UFC competition has recently undergone substantial changes following the promotion's monumental $7.7 billion partnership deal with Paramount. UFC president Dana White announced a complete overhaul of the traditional bonus system, doubling the standard four performance awards from $50,000 to $100,000 each.
Furthermore, fighters who secure victories via knockout or submission now receive an additional $25,000 incentive. This revised structure appears designed to encourage more explosive performances from athletes on the roster.
For Pimblett, this enhanced bonus environment could prove particularly beneficial given his fighting style. During his first seven UFC appearances under the previous bonus regime, the 31-year-old secured 'Performance of the Night' awards on five separate occasions, suggesting his aggressive approach frequently catches the judges' attention.
Tax Implications Dampen Financial Victory
The celebratory mood surrounding Pimblett's substantial earnings has been tempered by the looming prospect of significant tax deductions. Financial experts indicate that the Liverpool fighter should expect to relinquish approximately 50% of his fight purse to taxation authorities, a common reality for high-earning athletes competing in the United States.
This substantial deduction serves as a stark reminder of the financial complexities facing international fighters who compete primarily in North America. While the reported figures generate headlines, the net amounts retained by athletes after various deductions often tell a different story.
Gracious in Defeat With Eyes on Future
Despite the disappointing outcome in his interim title challenge, Pimblett displayed characteristic resilience and sportsmanship following the contest. In a post-fight interview with veteran commentator Joe Rogan, the Liverpool native reflected philosophically on his performance.
"You live and you learn; I'm 31, I will be back better. You haven't seen the last of me," Pimblett declared. "I wanted to be walking away with that belt. I know how tough I am and I don't need to prove that to anyone. There is no man I'd rather lose to than [Gaethje]. He is someone I loved watching growing up and it shows why he is a legend."
The fighter offered a technical assessment of the bout, acknowledging Gaethje's effective body shot in the opening round that significantly impacted the contest's trajectory. "I think 48-47 was a fair scorecard. I won't lie, he hit me with a body shot in the first round and it got me. I thought I was winning the round up to that point," he admitted candidly.
Personal Tributes Amid Professional Setback
In a poignant conclusion to his post-fight remarks, Pimblett dedicated his performance to several personal connections, demonstrating the emotional depth often overlooked in combat sports. He paid tribute to individuals close to him who had recently taken their own lives while using the platform to advocate for greater awareness of men's mental health issues.
The fighter also honoured the memory of Diogo Jota's brother Andre Silva, who tragically died in a car accident the previous summer. These personal reflections revealed a more nuanced portrait of the athlete beyond his octagon persona, highlighting the human stories that underpin professional sporting endeavours.
As Pimblett contemplates his financial obligations and professional future, the MMA community watches with interest to see how the popular Liverpudlian will respond to this dual setback of competitive defeat and substantial financial deduction. His proven ability to secure performance bonuses suggests future earning potential remains strong, provided he can return to winning ways in the competitive lightweight division.
