Paddy Pimblett is currently enjoying the success of securing the most significant victory of his mixed martial arts career.
Earlier this month, “The Baddy” earned a third-round TKO win against Michael Chandler in the co-main event of UFC 314.
Following his impressive performance, the rising lightweight contender celebrated with a yacht party in Miami, indulging in various junk foods.
Upon returning home to Liverpool, England, Paddy Pimblett surprised many by revealing a dramatic weight gain. Just seven days after successfully making the 156lbs weight limit for his fight, he reported weighing 198lbs, an increase of 42lbs.
Matt Brown criticizes Paddy Pimblett`s weight fluctuations
Matt Brown, who retired in 2024 after a professional career spanning nearly two decades with a record of 24-19, commented on Pimblett`s post-fight habits.
“The Immortal” holds the UFC record for the most knockouts in the welterweight division with 13, a number surpassed only by heavyweight Derrick Lewis across all weight classes.
Drawing from his extensive experience, Brown expressed concern regarding Pimblett`s rapid weight gain.
“If I were his coach, I would have some concern,” Brown stated in an interview with MMA Fighting.
“What I tell all of my fighters is we have a short window here. You might be doing this for 15 to 20 years at most. There’s a lot that you can get out of it. Why not squeeze all the f—— juice out that you can?”
“It’s not a ton of suffering to not put on f—— 40lbs after a fight. You can enjoy yourself. Enjoy yourself with some moderation and then be back in the gym next week. Nothing wrong with that.”
He further added: “You’re not in LFA, Cage Warriors, wherever he came from. You’re in with the top motherf—— in the world now, especially when you’re talking the 155 division. They’re absolute savages in that division.
“You’ve got to keep your f—— eyes on the prize. If I were his coach, I would be concerned. Like bro, you can’t be living this way. You’re so close. Let’s not climb up this far and then start chilling once we almost get to the summit.
“Now is not the time to relax. Now’s not the time to have fun. Now’s the time to double down. Now it’s crunch time. Double down on what you’ve been doing. Do more. Do it better. Do it harder.”
What lies ahead for Paddy Pimblett?
Following UFC 314, Pimblett mentioned former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira as his preferred next opponent.
However, he also clarified that he is open to facing any fighter who could pave his way towards a title shot.
Ideally, “The Scouser” hopes to compete against a top-five ranked lightweight later this year, potentially in the Middle East.
“I just wanna fight,” Pimblett stated on the IT’S TIME!!! podcast with Bruce Buffer.
“Whoever that one person is that will get me a title shot, I want that fight.
“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.”
Benedict Kingsley