Paddy Pimblett is a big lad.
Size is a frequent topic of conversation regarding “The Baddy” for good reason. First and foremost, he’s gigantic on fight night, rehydrating significantly after his brief 155-pound weigh-in. Then, in the aftermath of both his wins and losses, Pimblett has received a lot of criticism for swelling up considerably. An out-of-camp Pimblett can be seen eating everything in sight, and he won’t be apologizing.
That’s why Pimblett expects to join the Heavyweight ranks once he retires
from active competition. While discussing food and weight on the Green Light Podcast, Pimblett also broke down his weight gain in the month and a half since defeating Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329 (watch his quick submission win here).
“A week later, I look like a different person,” Pimblett said. “It’s mad. I can’t help it. I just love food too much … I reckon when I’m retired, I’m going to be weighing Heavyweight. I’m still fighting now and I’m about 2o0, 205 [pounds]. Getting up to 250 is not going to be a bother for me.”
He also revealed “I got back in the cage at 190 about 36 hours later.”
So much for never going above 200 pounds again!
Like it or not, size and strength have been a clear asset for Pimblett in his current run of success. If he ever ends up facing would-be rival Ilia Topuria, Pimblett’s great advantage will be physicality against the former Featherweight king. Of course, there are usually drawbacks to excessive weight cutting, but those consequences often come at unpredictable times.
Pimblett might continue to thrive for years to come or suddenly miss the mark at his next weigh-in. For now, it’s all working for “The Baddy,” an elite Lightweight contender and one of the sport’s top young stars.
