Paddy Pimblett has piled on the pounds after the biggest win of his career, and has already moved through the weight classes.
Paddy ‘The Baddy’ is famous for ballooning in weight between fights – particularly if he’s able to spend any time in America. And following his vicious stoppage of former Bellator champion Michael Chandler at UFC 314 it was no different as he tipped the scales more than 40lb heavier than his official weigh-in.
Despite being quite a large lightweight, Pimblett has yet to miss the 156lb limit in his career to date. However, he very quickly rehydrates up to almost a new weight division, and he is now sitting in the light-heavyweight territory as opposed to his fight weight.
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Paddy Pimblett gains 43lb to become light-heavyweight in stunning transformation
Before even fighting Michael Chandler, Paddy Pimblett made sure to pile the pounds back on as he gorged on the night before his UFC 314 co-headliner. He had just shed 14lb in as many hours in order to get to 156lb, and ate ice cream, pancakes and more in order to rehydrate.
And once he had got the job done in spectacular fashion, all bets were off. The Brit quickly headed out to a yacht party in Miami before heading home for his children’s first birthday party and flying to Dubai for a plush vacation with his wife Laura.
In a YouTube video documenting his weight gain, he showed himself indulging in all sorts of treats before stepping on the scales. He ended up just under 91kg, but noted that he was wearing clothes so called his weight an even 90kg, or around 198lb.
For context, that puts him well above the limit for middleweight, two divisions up from where he fights. It also places him just two pounds shy of the championship weight that Israel Adesanya made for his effort at light-heavyweight gold against Jan Blachowicz in March of 2021.
Fans left amazed by Paddy Pimblett’s weight gain following UFC 314
Pimblett’s drastic weight gain has become a note of some contention for pundits and fans over the years since he burst on the global scene in the UFC. He has, in the past, reached past 205lb which places him in heavyweight territory, although that hasn’t happened for a while.
He is often compared to boxing champion Ricky Hatton, who was given the nickname Ricky Fatton during his heyday for his weight gain. After learning of his latest fluctuation, one fan wrote on X: “Reminds me of Ricky Hatton and eventually it takes its toll.”
Other fans noted that he might be better suited to a cooking show or competitive eating, with one writing: “Paddy has a future outside of fighting maybe a food show.” Another recommended: “He should start a cooking show like Volk because he actually enjoys food and it doesn’t affect him come fight day.”