Chris Curtis is not happy with Paddy Pimblett charging money for interviews
Paddy Pimblett recently revealed that he expects to be financially compensated for interviews. The issue was at the center of the unranked lightweight's feud with mixed martial arts journalist Ariel Helwani.
Chris Curtis recently weighed in on Pimblett's decision to charge journalists for interviews.
Speaking to James Lynch, the No.14-ranked middleweight stated:
"When I was coming up, it was so much different. Social media has people believing their own hype way too much. You were unknown fighting for nothing before this, before people gave you platforms, and now you want to charge? It's such a douche move."
After Lynch proclaimed that paying for interviews could create a conflict of interests, Curtis agreed, adding:
"In any other industry it would be a conflict of interest, but in fighting, it's like whatever, it's like a look past, but it's just such a douche move. How important do you think you are? Hopefully after this [Jared Gordon] fight, he [Paddy] calms the f**k down and somebody around him is kinda like, 'Hey, man, sit down'."
While Pimblett's desire to maximize his earnings and be compensated for his time is understandable, as Curtis pointed out, those same platforms have helped him grow his brand.
Although he may no longer need them now, fighters using platforms on their rise only to turn around and ask for compensation when they are established could establish a dangerous precedent.
Watch Chris Curtis' full comments on Paddy Pimblett charging journalists for interviews below:
Terrance McKinney calls out Paddy Pimblett
UFC lightweight Terrance McKinney has not been shy about his desire to face Paddy Pimblett. McKinney called out Pimblett once again while also complimenting the unranked lightweight's ability to defend punches with his chin.
Plz give me the paddy fight 🙏🙏🙏
Speaking to The Schmo, McKinney stated:
"I like the way he defends the punches with his chin. The dude is incredible. Look how powerful that chin is...man. I think it probably hurt Jared's fists... I have to give him his credit, he is excellent at taking punches, very skilled... I think the clash has to happen, you guys. 2023, Terrance McKinney vs. Paddy 'The Saddy' after I whoop his a**."
While McKinney has been calling for a bout against Pimblett long before UFC 282, many fighters have angled to become the unranked lightweight's next opponent following his performance. It remains to be seen if McKinney will get his wish.
Watch Terrance McKinney call out Paddy Pimblett below (starting at the 2:10 mark):