Paddy Pimblett Responds to Weight Criticism: ‘I Aim to Stay Below [198 Pounds] from Now On’
Paddy Pimblett is determined to improve his weight management in preparation for his upcoming fights.
The 28-year-old fighter from Liverpool is currently in recovery after undergoing ankle surgery and plans to make his return to the UFC before the end of 2023. However, Pimblett is well aware of the criticism he has faced regarding his weight fluctuations between fight camps. As he enters a crucial stage in his career as a veteran lightweight, he understands that addressing this issue is essential to give himself the best chance at winning the UFC title.
“My goal is to have three more fights under my belt by [the end of 2024], with three wins and a higher ranking,” Pimblett recently shared with SLOTHBOXX. “But we’ll see how things unfold. People keep asking me if I have a fight coming up because I’m not as overweight as I usually am. They say, ‘You must be preparing for a fight, mate, you’re usually much heavier.’ Well, no, I’m not that overweight at the moment. But that’s what a lot of people keep saying to me, ‘Mate, you’re not that heavy. You must have a fight coming up.’ No, I don’t.”
“As I’ve mentioned before, I think I have an eating disorder when I’m preparing for a fight, cutting weight, and following a strict diet. But after a fight, I struggle with unhealthy eating habits. Currently, I’m doing alright because of my recent surgery. I went to America, gained some weight, came back, had the surgery, and gradually my weight has decreased. I’m now walking around at around [185 to 187 pounds] without watching my diet. I’m just moving about at this weight, which is nice. I’ve reached a plateau and hopefully, I will never go above [198 pounds] again.”
Having achieved a flawless 4-0 record in the UFC, Pimblett has become one of the promotion’s most promising stars since his debut in late 2021. He earned the Performance of the Night award for his first three impressive victories over Luigi Vendramini, Rodrigo Vargas, and Jordan Leavitt. However, his most recent decision win against Jared Gordon at UFC 282 faced substantial criticism due to controversial judging.
Pimblett expressed his desire to return to the UFC in late 2023, provided he recovers from his injury. However, he emphasized that he won’t step into another fight unless he’s at 100 percent.
He also responded defiantly to those who have criticized his tendency to gain significant weight between fight camps.
“I simply ignore the criticism. Let them all go to hell,” Pimblett stated. “I genuinely don’t care, mate. People can say whatever they want about me. I’m the one risking my life and stepping into the cage. Those on the outside don’t see the sacrifices we make to make weight. But, as I’ve mentioned before, I will make a conscious effort to maintain a lower weight from now on. We’ll see how it goes. I’ve never really tried to do it before.”
“After every fight, I would gain a considerable amount of weight and consume around 8,000 calories a day. Now, I probably won’t do that.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about weight management
Q: What is Paddy Pimblett’s plan to address weight criticism?
A: Paddy Pimblett aims to stay below 198 pounds and manage his weight more effectively between fights. He acknowledges the issue and wants to put his best foot forward in his pursuit of the UFC title.
Q: How many fights does Paddy Pimblett hope to have by the end of 2024?
A: Paddy Pimblett hopes to have three more fights and three wins under his belt by the end of 2024, aiming to improve his ranking in the UFC.
Q: Has Paddy Pimblett struggled with weight fluctuations in the past?
A: Yes, Paddy Pimblett admits to struggling with weight fluctuations, especially after fights. He acknowledges having an eating disorder during weight cuts and dieting, followed by unhealthy eating habits afterward.
Q: When does Paddy Pimblett plan to make his UFC return?
A: Paddy Pimblett plans to return to the UFC in late 2023, as long as he recovers from his ankle surgery and remains injury-free.
Q: How does Paddy Pimblett respond to critics of his weight gain?
A: Paddy Pimblett disregards critics, emphasizing that they don’t understand the sacrifices fighters make to make weight. He prioritizes his own well-being and intends to keep his weight down moving forward.
Q: What has been Paddy Pimblett’s performance record in the UFC so far?
A: Paddy Pimblett has an undefeated record of 4-0 in the UFC. He has impressed fans with his performances, earning the Performance of the Night award for his first three stoppage victories.
More about weight management
- Paddy Pimblett: ‘Hopefully I’ll never go above [198 pounds] again’
- Paddy Pimblett eyeing UFC return by end of 2023
- Paddy Pimblett opens up about weight issues and critics
- Paddy Pimblett plans to keep weight down after surgery
- Paddy Pimblett’s undefeated UFC record
