UFC lightweight fighter Paddy Pimblett has addressed criticism regarding his post-fight weight, asserting that his weight fluctuations are not unusual. Known as `The Baddy`, Pimblett has a reputation for significant weight gain during periods outside of his training camps, often indulging in comfort food.
For his fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April, Paddy Pimblett successfully weighed in at 156lbs. However, just a week later, the fighter drew attention by revealing his weight had increased to 198lbs.
Pimblett Addresses Weight Gain Criticism
Celebrating his significant career victory, Paddy Pimblett enjoyed time off, including a private yacht party in Miami and relaxation in Dubai, naturally leading to an increase in his weight. Despite this, Pimblett maintains his current weight isn`t far from where it should be for his off-season.
He recently clarified that the most substantial part of his weight gain occurs within the 24-hour window between making weight and stepping into the octagon for the fight itself at UFC 314.
Commenting on the fan reaction, Pimblett stated, “It`s funny, isn`t it? It`s crazy. People think I put on something like 30 or 40 pounds [after the fight].” He added, “My face gets a bit chubby, yeah. I weigh in at 156, but then people are like, `Oh, he`s put on 40 pounds.` I haven`t, because the very next day, I walk into the cage around 185 pounds. So, I only gain about 10 to 15 pounds from my actual fight night weight.”
Pimblett emphasized that his approach to weight management has improved. “I used to do some stupid things when I was younger, but for my last two fights, I`ve done everything correctly. I do it perfectly,” he said. He dismissed common online comments about future weight cut difficulties, noting, “I always see comments on YouTube saying, `Oh, he`s going to struggle to make weight soon.` But honestly, my last weight cut was the easiest I`ve ever experienced.”
Targeting Justin Gaethje
Looking ahead, Paddy Pimblett believes he is potentially one major win away from earning a shot at the lightweight championship. He expressed confidence that a victory over former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje would position him as the next challenger to face the winner of the upcoming fight between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira, scheduled for UFC 317 on June 28th, which will crown a new champion at 155lbs.
“I know for a fact that if I beat Gaethje, I`m next in line,” Pimblett stated. “It could happen, yes. It just depends on whether he says yes to the fight. He would be fighting someone ranked below him again.” Pimblett shared his preferred timing and location for the potential bout: “I`d like to fight him in Abu Dhabi in October, on that pay-per-view card. That`s when I want to fight, that`s what I`ll be aiming for. And after what I did to Chandler, I truly believe I could finish Justin Gaethje.”
Jack Thornley