Paddy Pimblett may be in the prime of his UFC career, but he’s already planning what comes next—and he’s aiming for more than just championship gold.
Following a statement win at UFC 314, the fan-favorite lightweight has set his sights on a path similar to Conor McGregor. However, he promises he will do it better than the Irish megastar.
Paddy Pimblett Vows To Have a ‘Better’ Hollywood Career Than Conor McGregor
Fresh off his third-round TKO of former Bellator champion Michael Chandler, Pimblett is more confident than ever about his future, both inside and outside the cage. Speaking to Bruce Buffer on the “It’s Time” podcast, he revealed a long-held ambition to transition into acting.
“I’ve always said I want to end up in Hollywood,” Pimblett shared. “I want to end up in films or series and stuff like that.”
But Pimblett isn’t looking to merely dip his toes into acting. He’s aiming to do it better than Conor McGregor, who debuted in 2024’s “Road House” starring alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.
“I’d definitely be a better actor than Conor if you know what I mean,” he said, taking a subtle jab at McGregor’s performance. “I’d be in a serious role, not like just playing a weird version of myself.”
“The Hollywood Baddie?!” @PaddyTheBaddy tells @brucebuffer he thinks he could be headed to the silver screen someday. A new “IT’S TIME!” Is available now on YouTube. pic.twitter.com/FBKJlUIpPe
— TJ De Santis (@TJDeSantis) April 19, 2025
McGregor played the role of a hired mercenary, Knox, in the remake of the 1980s original cult classic. Many fans said after watching the movie, which can be streamed on Prime Video, that the Irishman’s character was almost a caricature of his real-life personality.
In a since-deleted tweet, McGregor claimed that the movie made him the “highest-paid first-time actor of all time.” As per the Guinness Book of World Records, Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson was the highest-paid debuting actor, earning $5.5 million for 2001’s “The Mummy Returns.”
If McGregor truly broke Johnson’s record, he made more than the aforementioned sum for “Road House.”
Paddy Pimblett Discusses His Potential Opponent for His Next UFC Return
Pimblett’s focus remains sharp in the Octagon, especially after his most significant win to date. Defeating Michael Chandler vaulted him into the lightweight Top 10 and placed him in the title conversation. He climbed four spots and is currently ranked at No. 8.
“I really respect Michael. He’s been in wars with the best. The fact that I finished him the way I did—I think I put a worse beating on him than Poirier, Gaethje, or Oliveira,” Pimblett told Bruce Buffer.
Now, the 30-year-old is eyeing a quick turnaround and wants his next fight to lead directly to a title shot. “I just want to fight. Whoever that one person is that gets me to a title shot, that’s who I want,” he said.
Pimblett is targeting a return in October, specifically on the UFC’s annual Abu Dhabi card.
“I’ve always wanted to fight there… Recharge my batteries over the summer, training every day, keep the weight down, and go right back into camp in August,” he added.
With momentum, charisma, and ambition in equal measure, “The Baddy” looks set to make waves both in the cage and, eventually, on the big screen.