For now, he's refusing to fight rated opponents in the UFC in favor of earning more money elsewhere.

Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC

Paddy Pimblett is one of the UFC's brightest young prospects. After his first bout in September, he amassed over 750,000 Instagram followers. Pimblett's future in the UFC 155-pound division is still up in the air, but one thing is for certain: "The Baddy" has no plans to face any great white sharks over the course of his current contract.

"I don't give a s—." In an interview with James English, Pimblett said, "I'm not facing a top 10 opponent on my money." In Nick Peet's words, he wants Tony Ferguson against myself in the ring. And, boy, I'd want to see myself take on Tony Ferguson, but not under the terms of the contract I'm now under. That's all a waste of time. Lad, get paid for fighting Tony Ferguson. The man is one of the greatest 155ers in the world, no doubt about it. If you don't give me six f—king figures, then I'm going to fight you.

There's a good chance you recognize that phrase from another bright young UFC contender, Sean O'Malley.

I think Paddy made the right decision, as he's found being a popular UFC fighter comes with its own set of financial possibilities, including a recent "seven figure contract" with Barstool Sports to be a brand ambassador and producer of Barstool Sports' content.

Pimblett is a hot commodity, and as long as the UFC isn't eager to renegotiate his contract, he'll put off battling his way up the rankings until that time comes.

We expect to see more of this in the future as the UFC continues to sign up fighters from Dana White's Contender Series, which may provide athletes more exposure, but it doesn't add any money to the purses of the fights.