Fresh off the most significant victory of his mixed martial arts career, Paddy Pimblett is riding a wave of success. Earlier this month at UFC 314, `The Baddy` delivered a dominant performance, securing a third-round TKO win over Michael Chandler in the co-main event.
Following his triumph, the surging lightweight celebrated with a yacht party in Miami, indulging in a post-fight splurge of junk food.
Upon returning home to Liverpool, England, Pimblett surprised many by disclosing that just seven days after making the 156lb lightweight limit for his fight, his weight had soared by 42lbs, reaching 198lbs.
UFC Record Holder Matt Brown Voices Concern Over Pimblett`s Weight Fluctuation
Matt Brown, a veteran of nearly 20 years in professional MMA who retired in 2024 with a 24-19 record, holds the UFC record for the most welterweight knockouts with 13. Only heavyweight slugger Derrick Lewis has more finishes regardless of weight class. As a fighter experienced in maintaining a long career, Brown expressed concern regarding Pimblett`s significant weight gain.
“If I were his coach, I would definitely be concerned,” Brown stated in an interview with MMA Fighting. He elaborated, “I tell all my fighters this: you have a limited time in this sport, maybe 15-20 years at best. There`s so much you can achieve. Why wouldn`t you make the absolute most of it? Avoiding putting on 40 pounds after a fight isn`t extreme suffering. You can still enjoy yourself, but do it in moderation, and get back to training the following week. There`s nothing wrong with that.”
Brown stressed the difference in competition level: “You`re no longer fighting in promotions like LFA or Cage Warriors. You`re now competing against the elite in the world, especially in the 155-pound division. Those guys are absolute beasts. You need to stay focused on your objective. As his coach, I`d be worried. You can`t maintain this lifestyle. You`re so close to the top. Don`t slack off just when you`re nearing the summit. This isn`t the moment to unwind or just have fun. It`s time to intensify your efforts. Double down on what you`ve been doing. Do more, do it better, do it harder.”
What`s Next for `The Baddy`?
Following UFC 314, Pimblett expressed interest in facing former lightweight king Charles Oliveira as his next opponent. However, he clarified that he is willing to fight anyone who can pave his path to a title shot.
Ideally, the Liverpool native envisions facing a top-five ranked lightweight in the Middle East later this year.
Speaking on the IT`S TIME!!! podcast with Bruce Buffer, Pimblett stated, “I just want to fight. Whoever that one person is that will get me a title shot, I want that fight.”
He added regarding his timeline, “My plan even before the fight was to fight in Abu Dhabi in October. I’ve always wanted to fight there. The UFC always do a pay-per-view there in October. I just think it would be the perfect time to come back. Recharge my batteries over the summer, keep training every day, keep the weight down, and then go right back into camp in August or September.”
