Paddy Pimblett has shown off an impressive weight loss as he continues to step up his training ahead of a UFC return.
The rising star hasn't fought since an opening round submission victory over Kazula Vargas earlier this year, which saw him balloon to 200lb shortly after his win. Pimblett is well-known for his harsh weight cuts and had previously vowed not to put on weight between training camps.
Pimblett has been training for his next UFC test against Jordan Leavitt in a return to London next month. He has displayed his latest weight loss during a social media post, with the caption: "Always grinding… getting ready for July 23rd." Pimblett looks in great shape now after a remarkable change in physique and is shown hard at training before posing for a photo alongside Molly McCann.
Despite competing at a high level, Pimblett is a self-declared 'foodie' and has admitted his junk-food binges make him "fat and happy" despite needing to make a drastic transformation before every fight. It remains to be seen whether Pimblett is yet close to his cut but he weighed in at 145lb for his last fight well clear of the deadline.
He will need to make a 45lb cut to hit the scales for his upcoming test against Leavitt to reach the lightweight limit and step foot inside the cage for his third outing with the promotion. Pimblett has come into criticism for his approach to weight through the early stages of his career, and boxing legend Ricky Hatton believes he should stay away from damaging his body with a fluctuating diet.
"I would advise him, listen it's a short career. It comes and goes in the blink of an eye, anything you can do to damage your body stay away from it," Hatton said on The MMA Hour. "Just for those years, dedicate yourself and when you're sat in your big house you can say 'I did right then'.
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"As I'm moving forward and trying to give advice to the people coming through, live like Floyd Mayweather. Live every day as a professional. That's why [Floyd Mayweather] is where he is now, because he looks after his body. I
"In boxing, our body pays the bills so don't do anything that'll ruin it. I could have got a few more years if I looked after myself, I fought at world level with one hand behind my back because I was d***head with what I put in my mouth."
Pimblett has had a sensational rise throughout the early stages of his UFC career and has even earned comparisons to superstar Conor McGregor. His challenge against Leavitt will likely be the toughest of his time with the promotion to date and could signal another step closer to challenging a top fifteen contender.
