UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett is aiming to better manage his weight between fights, targeting a UFC return by the end of 2023 and dismissing critics of his weight fluctuations.
Paddy Pimblett is hoping to better manage his weight in between fights as he advances his career. At 28 years old, the Liverpudlian is recovering from ankle surgery and aims for a UFC return by the end of 2023. He acknowledges his tendency to gain significant weight between fight camps and recognises that these issues on the scale need to be sorted out as he proceeds towards the next crucial stage of his career. These issues are a hurdle that he must overcome to be successful in his pursuit of the UFC title.
In an interview with SLOTHBOXX, Pimblett shared his ambition of having three more fights and three more wins to potentially improve his ranking by the end of 2024. He highlighted that people usually associate his weight with his participation in upcoming fights, expecting him to be heavier outside of fight season. He clarified that although he may not be as heavy at the moment, it doesn’t imply that he has a fight approaching. He commented on the assumptions made by people, mentioning that he was asked if he had a fight to prepare for due to his apparent weight loss, but denied having any matches lined up.
Pimblett candidly shared his struggles with an eating disorder that affects him most when he is preparing for fights, undergoing weight cuts and dieting. He mentioned how he put on weight post his surgery and while in America. However, his weight has been gradually coming down after his surgery. Currently, he walks around at about 185 to 187 pounds, and his weight seems to have plateaued around this range. With a hopeful tone, he stated his intention to never exceed 198 pounds. Despite often indulging in food without keeping in check of his diet, he appears to be managing his weight better at this point.
Since his UFC debut in late 2021, Pimblett maintained an unblemished record of 4-0 and emerged as one of UFC’s significant breakout stars. He received Performance of the Night awards for his first three stoppage wins against Luigi Vendramini, Rodrigo Vargas, and Jordan Leavitt. However, his latest decision over Jared Gordon at UFC 282 received widespread criticism as one of the most controversial judging outcomes of 2022. Pimblett looks forward to a UFC return in late 2023, “injury permitting”. He emphasized his dedication to enter the fights being in his top physical form and not going “into another fight not 100 percent.” He further exhibited his steadfastness on holding his ground against any critics who commented on his weight fluctuation outside of fight camps. He stressed it’s his life and career on the line and outsiders don’t fully comprehend what they go through to make weight for fights. He pledged to focus on maintaining his weight and assured that the future will reveal if he can succeed in doing so. He concluded by stating that he would refrain from significant weight gains that usually follow every fight due to excessive food intake.