Paddy Pimblett maintains that his weight fluctuation after fights is not unusual.
Known as `The Baddy`, Pimblett is often noted for gaining significant weight outside of training camps by indulging in food.
Before his victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April, Paddy Pimblett weighed in at 156lbs.
However, just one week after the fight, the lightweight fighter surprised many by stating his weight had increased to 198lbs.
Paddy Pimblett Addresses Weight Concerns
To celebrate his significant career win, Pimblett hosted a private yacht party in Miami.
Following the celebrations, the fighter enjoyed time off in Dubai, indulging in favorite foods.
While acknowledging he is heavier than during fight camp, Pimblett stated his weight isn`t far from his optimal level.
Pimblett recently explained that most of the reported weight gain occurred in the 24 hours between weighing in and competing at UFC 314.
Addressing fan reactions, Pimblett commented:
“It’s funny, innit? It’s mad. People think I put like 30lbs or like 40lbs on.”
He added:
“My face goes a bit chubby. I weigh in at 156, and yet people are like, ‘Oh, he’s put 40lb on.’ I haven’t, because I walk in the cage the next day like 185lbs.
He estimates his weight gain since the fight is closer to 10-15lbs from his in-cage weight:
“So, I put like 10, 15lbs on from what I actually walk in the cage.
Pimblett admitted past mistakes but claims recent discipline:
“I used to do some stupid stuff when I was younger, but in the last two fights, I’ve done everything proper. I do it perfectly.”
He also sees online criticism:
“I always see comments on YouTube, ‘Oh, he’s going to struggle to make weight soon’.”
However, he insists his weight cuts are manageable:
“My last weight cut was the easiest I’ve ever done.”
Paddy Pimblett Calls Out Justin Gaethje
Paddy Pimblett believes he is potentially one major victory away from challenging for the lightweight title.
He stated that defeating former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje would position him as the top contender to face the winner of the potential Ilia Topuria vs Charles Oliveira fight, which the article suggests could determine the next lightweight champion at UFC 317 on June 28.
“I know for a fact that if I beat Gaethje, I’m next in line,” Pimblett asserted.
“It could be [next for me], yeah,” he continued. “It’s just whether he says yes or not, isn’t it? He’d be fighting down the rankings again.”
Pimblett expressed his desired timeframe and location:
“[I’d like to fight him] in Abu Dhabi in October, that Pay-per-view, that’s when I want to fight, that’s when I’ll be gearing towards,” adding confidently, “and after what I did to Chandler, I think I’d finish Justin Gaethje.”
