Paddy Pimblett has become well-known for his extreme weight cutting struggles since joining the UFC in 2021, making his weight fluctuations a frequent topic among fans and analysts. Despite being a rising star with a large following in the UK and beyond, his weight management has often drawn attention due to how drastically it changes between fight camps and off-season periods.
‘The Baddy,’ as Pimblett is nicknamed, tends to gain significant weight when not preparing for fights, sometimes exceeding 200 pounds. However, during fight camps, he consistently undergoes intense reductions in weight to meet the UFC limits, demonstrating a demanding physical toll that has sparked concerns about his health and safety.
Severe Weight Cuts Led to a Near Kidney Failure Incident
Although Pimblett is regarded as a committed professional who successfully makes weight and appears in top condition during fight preparations, his process has not been without serious risks. Before his bout at UFC 314, he lost 14 pounds in just 14 hours and then indulged in a large quantity of junk food shortly before the fight, showing the extremes to which he pushes his body.
Over the course of his six-week camp leading up to UFC 314, Pimblett cut more than 31 pounds, highlighting just how much heavier he generally carries outside of fight time. This pattern has raised alarms, especially given a prior severe health scare during his earlier career phases in Cage Warriors.
While competing at 145 pounds in Cage Warriors, Pimblett encountered a frightening near-health crisis following his title win against Julian Erosa in 2016. Reflecting on that experience, he revealed that one of his weight cuts was extraordinarily dangerous.
“Lad, that (cut to 145lbs) was disgusting. The Erosa one was bad and then the one after it I fought Nad Narimani to defend my belt and I ended up eventually losing that fight,”
Pimblett shared on his podcast.
He detailed how a DEXA scan conducted after the weigh-in for that fight exposed critical medical issues, alarming the doctor overseeing his health. Pimblett was reported to be just one pound away from kidney failure, with abnormalities found in his liver function and a complete absence of testosterone in his body.
The doctor reportedly told Pimblett that if he had reviewed the scan prior to the fight, it would have been enough to prevent him from competing. This incident serves as a stark warning about the dangers of extreme weight cutting practices within combat sports.
“I’m the example of how not to cut weight,”
Pimblett admitted, emphasizing the risks involved.
Future Prospects and Potential Moves in Pimblett’s UFC Career
As Pimblett approaches the possibility of fighting for a UFC title, managing his weight and overall physical condition outside the cage could become an important focus to preserve his longevity in the sport. His popularity continues to rise following a recent victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314, which positioned him closer to championship contention.
Following Ilia Topuria’s lightweight title win at UFC 317, Pimblett engaged in an impromptu faceoff, which fans interpreted as a clear signal of his ambitions. While that hints at an imminent title shot, other matchups are also being suggested for his next fight.
Sean O’Malley has proposed a fight against Max Holloway, which many believe would be a compelling contest for ‘The Baddy.’ Such a bout would test Pimblett’s skills and boost his profile further if he continues his winning streak. How he handles his weight cuts will play a crucial role in maintaining his performance and health as he moves closer to UFC stardom.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Paddy Pimblett ever lost a fight?
A. In his early career, he competed for the Cage Warriors lightweight title after a victory. He lost to Søren Bak through a unanimous decision.
Q. Why did Paddy Pimblett get $200,000?
A. At last Thursday’s pre-fight press conference, White agreed to double bonuses after Green asked for it. However, Pimblett’s bonus got doubled again on Saturday night. Interestingly, Pimblett received this extra reward for defeating Green with a first-round submission during the main card.
Q. Did Paddy Pimblett ever lose?
A. In the beginning of his career, he faced his first loss to Cameron Else, getting choked out in just 35 seconds in October 2013. At that time, he had only participated in three Cage Warriors fights. Surprisingly, after this setback, he improved and won all his matches until April 2017.
Q. Is Paddy Pimblett a millionaire?
A. Pimblett uses the UFC platform to promote himself. His charm, especially among British and European fans, made him a famous MMA figure. By 2025, his net worth is around $5 million. He holds a UFC career record of 22 wins, 3 losses, and 0 draws.