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Paddy Pimblett is set to face Jared Gordon in the co-main event of UFC 282. Leading up to his first appearance on a pay-per-view card, the unranked lightweight discussed going back on his decision to limit his maximum weight.
'The Baddy' has received everything from constructive criticism to verbal jabs about him gaining an extraordinary amount of weight between fights. This added weight poses a whole array of potential health complications. The Scouser fights at lightweight, and has to cut down to 155 lbs from upwards of 200 lbs within a short period of time.
Speaking to Brett Okamoto of ESPN MMA, Pimblett stated:
"It's not even like I've given up on it. It's just I've come to America and indulged. Food here and things here are just different. I enjoy myself, but do I miss weight? No. I'm waking up at 168 [pounds] a week out. I've got 12 pounds to lose."
Pimblett continued by comparing his weight cuts to those of the top lightweights:
"People go on about my weight and I think people like Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, Islam Makhachev, they do more than 12 pounds overnight. I've got 12 pounds to lose, but people want to talk about me because of out of camp. Out of camp, I'll do what I want. No one will tell me otherwise. I'd rather be fat and happy."
While Pimblett missed weight twice early in his career, he was fighting as a bantamweight (135 lbs) at the time. Despite all the chatter about his weight, he has not missed weight as a featherweight or as a lightweight.
Watch Paddy Pimblett discuss his decision to go back to limiting his maximum weight below (starting at the 11:55 mark):
Daniel Cormier offers Paddy Pimblett advice ahead of UFC 282
Despite being unranked and having just three fights with the promotion, Paddy Pimblett has quickly become one of the rising stars on the UFC roster. UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier recently offered Pimblett advice on handling fame.
Speaking on 3 Rounds with Daniel Cormier, the former double champ stated:
"People are talking about 'Paddy the Baddy'...things are good in the world of Paddy Pimblett. One thing has to happen, though. He has got to keep winning. Got to, because it can all go away if you don't win, and he's got the toughest guy that he's ever faced in the octagon this weekend in Jared Gordon."
Pimblett's star has continued to rise since making his UFC debut 15 months ago. In three fights with the promotion, Pimblett has picked up one knockout and two submissions, earning a Performance of the Night bonus for each bout.
The unranked lightweight will look to continue his success in the co-main event of UFC 282.
Watch Daniel Cormier's comments on Paddy Pimblett below (starting at the 14:00 mark):
