Matt Brown advises Paddy Pimblett to maintain discipline and avoid excessive weight gain between fights, warning that such behavior could hinder long-term success in the highly competitive UFC lightweight division.
Matt Brown, known for his no-nonsense approach to post-fight celebrations, gets why fighters like Paddy Pimblett let loose after a big win. After all, Pimblett’s victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 was monumental.
However, Brown has reservations about Pimblett’s post-fight indulgences. Gaining over 40 pounds in mere days? That’s pushing it. While Pimblett claims he always bounces back when it’s time to fight, Brown warns that such habits could eventually catch up with him.
"If I were his coach, I’d be worried," Brown shared on The Fighter vs. The Writer. "We’ve got a short window here. Why not make the most of it? Enjoy life, sure, but moderation is key."
Brown reflects on youth’s invincibility illusion. "When you’re young, you think you’ll never age. Live in the moment? Sure. But remember, time flies." It’s a sentiment many can relate to—how often do we forget our own mortality?
Pimblett’s weight fluctuations haven’t hindered his performance yet. But as he steps deeper into the lightweight division—one of the toughest out there—the stakes are higher than ever.
Chandler’s defeat was impressive, but there’s a slew of contenders waiting for Pimblett. Brown advises against complacency: "You relax after achieving something big? Not wise. Especially in this savage division."
"You’re not in LFA or Cage Warriors anymore," Brown reminds. "You’re now among the world’s elite, especially at 155 pounds."
Discipline defined Brown’s career, allowing him to thrive in the UFC for 15 years. He notes that while exceptions exist, focused dedication typically separates champions from the rest.
"Every day you’re not in the gym or slightly overweight, someone else is gaining an edge," Brown says. He cites Georges St-Pierre as a paragon of discipline and contrasts him with Jon Jones—both successful but through different paths.
"We’re not all Jon Jones," Brown muses. "What if he had been more disciplined? Maybe he’d have even more finishes." The idea is simple: maximize potential by squeezing every drop of effort.
Despite Pimblett’s current success, Brown warns that today’s praise can quickly turn into tomorrow’s criticism if things go south. Packing on pounds between fights might become a cautionary tale rather than a joke.
"Keep your eyes on the prize," Brown urges. "If I were his coach, I’d be concerned. You’re so close—don’t lose focus now."
Now isn’t the time for relaxation; it’s crunch time. Double down on efforts and push harder than ever before.
For more insights like these, catch new episodes of The Fighter vs. The Writer every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.