Paddy Pimblett Sets Record Straight on Weight Gain Speculation
UFC lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett has directly responded to ongoing curiosity about his physical transformation between fights. The fighter, who faces Justin Gaethje this Saturday at UFC 324, acknowledged his reputation for significant weight fluctuations but challenged specific claims about his actual gains.
"People Think I Put 40lb On" - Pimblett's Actual Numbers
Pimblett told TNT News that public perception often exaggerates his weight changes. "It's funny, init? It is mad," Pimblett said. "People think I put like 30lb on, well, like 40lb on. Like, my face goes a bit chubby."
The fighter provided concrete numbers to counter these claims. "I weigh in at 156. And yet people are like, 'Ohh, he's put 40lbs on.' I haven't because I walk in the cage the next day at like 185," Pimblett explained. "So I've put on like 10lbs on 15lbs on. I actually walk in the cage at... like it's mad. I get back in the cage like 180 or 185."
Nutritionist Partnership and Weight Management
Paddy Pimblett currently works with nutritionist Paul Reed, including during his preparation for the Michael Chandler fight where he dropped 40 pounds in just seven weeks. "Paul's got me on it hard. And so I do it perfectly," Pimblett stated about his disciplined approach.
The fighter addressed concerns about his ability to make weight for upcoming bouts. "I always see comments on YouTube and that, 'Ohh, he's going to struggle to make weight soon,'" Pimblett noted. "Like, my last weight cut was my easiest weight cut I've ever done. First bath and sauna blanket, I lost five-and-a-half lbs."
Undefeated Record and Interim Title Opportunity
At 31 years old, Paddy Pimblett maintains an impressive professional record. He remains unbeaten in his seven UFC appearances and holds a 23-3 overall record. This Saturday's fight represents his biggest career opportunity as he challenges Gaethje for the interim lightweight championship.
Current champion Ilia Topuria remains sidelined due to personal issues, creating this interim title opportunity. Pimblett enters the contest fresh from a March victory over Rafael Fiziev last year, currently ranked number four in the lightweight division.
Gaethje's Challenge and Pimblett's Unique Style
Justin Gaethje brings significant credentials to this matchup. Known for delivering exceptional performances, Gaethje has earned approximately £707,000 in Fight of the Night or Performance of the Night bonuses throughout his career.
Pimblett discussed his unconventional fighting style before the highly anticipated bout. "I don't wrestle like a normal person," Pimblett declared. "I don't shoot double legs and single legs and wrestle as a normal person does. I do everything differently."
The fighter emphasized his unique approach. "I'm not normal, so he's not going to be able to get a sparring partner that grapples like me or strikes like me because I'm a weirdo," Pimblett said. "I'm honest about it, I'm very awkward. You can't really get a sparring partner in to do me because I'm so awkward, so I'm looking forward to fighting him as I say."
This Saturday's UFC 324 event features what many consider the most significant fight of Paddy Pimblett's career as he attempts to capture interim gold against one of the division's most dangerous competitors.
