UFC star Paddy Pimblett, widely seen as being in the peak of his career, recently made a surprising admission about looking forward to retirement. Since his UFC debut in 2021, Pimblett has risen quickly as one of the sport’s brightest talents, consistently improving his performance inside the Octagon.
Earlier this year at UFC 314, Pimblett faced Michael Chandler in what many expected to be his toughest challenge yet. However, Pimblett dominated the fight, securing a brutal finish that firmly placed him into the conversation for the lightweight title. Shortly after, he shared an intense face-off with reigning champion Ilia Topuria at UFC 317, indicating his ambition to compete for the belt.
Weight Struggles Shape Pimblett’s Career and Retirement Thoughts
Pimblett’s battle with weight management outside of fight preparations has long been a notable aspect of his career. Known to gain significant weight between camps, the British fighter revealed he once endured a severe weight cut that nearly led to kidney failure. Those close to the sport, including fellow UFC competitors with similar experiences, have cautioned him against such extreme measures.
Facing ongoing criticism for his fluctuating weight, Pimblett confessed that one of the major reasons he looks forward to retiring is escaping the constant pressure of dieting and weight cuts.
I look forward to the day where I don’t have to diet. Don’t have to diet, don’t have to think about getting on a set of scales and having a fight with a set of scales. I’ll be walking around at light heavyweight at least,
Pimblett said during a discussion with UFC legend Dan Henderson. —Paddy Pimblett
Future Prospects and Potential Matchups in Pimblett’s UFC Journey
Though retirement remains on his mind, the 30-year-old fighter still has several fights ahead before ending his professional journey. Despite the recent cage confrontation with Topuria, a title bout against the champion is not expected to happen immediately.
More notably, Pimblett has sparked a rivalry with Charles Oliveira, calling the Brazilian fighter “amateur” after Oliveira’s loss to Topuria. This tension indicates a possible future matchup between the two, which could become a defining fight for Pimblett’s career moving forward.
Pimblett’s openness about the struggles behind the scenes sheds light on the challenges athletes face beyond their in-ring performances. His candid remarks about retirement add a human element to the story of a fighter known for his skill and charisma.