Paddy Pimblett 's 45lb weight-loss journey to make the lightweight limit has begun as he gears up for a UFC return this summer.
'The Baddy' won his second UFC fight last month by submitting Kazula Vargas at The O2 arena in London. Pimblett is known for piling on the pounds outside of training camp and he wasted in no time treating himself after the win, scoffing an entire pizza at the post-fight press conference.
Less than two weeks after the fight, Pimblett weighed over 200lbs thanks to an 11,000 calorie binge. The Liverpudlian has admitted he often eats three main meals and two desserts every night, but that will have to change as he has started a diet for his next fight
The UFC is planning to return to the UK on July 23 to hold another Fight Night event. When asked by The Schmo if he will be fighting on the card, Pimblett replied: "Yeah, that's more than likely. That's half the reason I'm on a diet now."
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Pimblett stocked up his fridge with doughnuts and cheesecakes whilst also binging on crisps and easter eggs following his win in the English capital. The lightweight sports a lean frame with a visible six pack when weighing in, but admits he'd rather be fat.
"I'd rather be fat and happy than ripped. These people who are ripped all year round are not happy, I don't care what they say. This six-pack is sound, I look great but I'd rather be fat and happy," he said.
One potential opponent for Pimblett's next fight is Ilia Topuria, a surging featherweight who got into a scuffle with the Liverpudlian during fight week at UFC London. But Pimblett has played down a fight with the Georgian and is unwilling to face a ranked contender until the promotion awards him a better contract.
"I still want another few fights first I'm not getting ahead of myself," he said. "I know I'm not ready for anyone ranked yet, especially in the lightweight division. I need to win another four fights before even thinking about getting another opponent.
"Hopefully after this next fight they want to give me a new contract but we'll see. That's the goal, more zeros on that bank balance. I wanna get another two fights in this year, maybe even three times."
Pimblett made the lowest guaranteed purse, £9,000, for his win against Vargas last month. Thankfully for 'The Baddy', he banked a £40,000 performance bonus for his submission win.
