Paddy Pimblett is nearing light heavyweight territory just a little more than a week after fighting at 155 pounds.
That’s right. Paddy “The Baddy” recently revealed that he’s gained 40 pounds since securing the biggest win of his career in the co-main event of UFC 314 on April 12. That night in Miami, Pimblett (22-4 MMA, 7-0 UFC) stopped former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler (23-10 MMA, 2-5 UFC) by third-round TKO. Since then, Pimblett has been enjoying his victory and time off, and it reflects on the scale.
“I’m like 195,” Pimblett said speaking on “It’s Time” with Bruce Buffer. “On Sunday, I had about five milkshakes after the fight. This morning I think I woke up at 190, which is fat, but that’s about the heaviest I get. I don’t really touch 200, only in The States. In The States, that food just makes me into a machine. I’m just massive in The States, but when I’m back in the U.K., the highest I’ll be is like 195 or something like that.”
Since joining the UFC in 2021, Pimblett has become notorious for his weight gains in between fights, something that’s fueled banter and even criticism. The English star says it’s tougher to keep his weight in check when he’s in the U.S. given some of the differing American eating habits.
“Servings and just the amount of food,” Pimblett said. “Just, even the drinks. In the UK, if I go to a restaurant, I order a Coca-Cola, I just get that one Coca-Cola. In The States, and there’s still this much of my Coca-Cola left, and they come over and take it and put a brand new one, and I’m just like, ‘I got a full coke.'”
Pimblett remains undefeated in the UFC with seven straight wins. The victory over Chandler was also his fifth stoppage win in the promotion. Pimblett believes he’s one win away from fighting for the UFC lightweight belt, and he called out top contenders Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier and Arman Tsarukyan after UFC 314.
