Dana White claims UFC star Paddy Pimblett’s massive weight gain between fights ‘hurts us too’ as the promotion is finding it challenging to book fights for the Liverpudlian when he’s ‘nowhere near close to weight’
- Dana White has commented on Paddy Pimblett’s fluctuating weight
- The UFC president explained Pimblett’s weight makes it harder to book fights
- Pimblett has been known to gain weight when outside of training camps
- However, the Liverpudlian has never missed weight for a fight in the UFC
UFC president Dana White has spoken on Paddy Pimblett’s habit of gaining significant amounts of weight between fights.
Since defeating Jordan Leavitt by way of a second-round submission in July, Pimblett admitted that has has gained over three stone placing him well above the non-title lightweight limit of 156lbs.
Speaking to reporters ahead of UFC 278 this weekend, White commented on the possible long term implications of the burgeoning star’s tendency to gain weight whilst outside of fight camp:
UFC President Dana White talked about the difficulty of booking fights for Paddy Pimblett
Pimblett admitted his weight has risen to 200lbs as he enjoys eating what he wants between fights
‘It’s not good for you, we all know that’ White said.
‘We know that fluctuating and cutting that much weight is very bad, and it definitely doesn’t prolong your career. It’s tough on your body and your organs and stuff like that, but listen: He’s a grown man. He can do whatever the hell he wants to do.’
White further explained that Pimblett’s ever-fluctuating weight has made arranging fights for the Liverpudlian significantly more difficult.
‘It makes it tough for us too, because when we’re in the matchmaking room, we want to throw together a fight, maybe we can throw him on a card in a month, a month-and-a-half, it hurts us too.’
Pimblett last fought in July, defeating Jordan Leavitt by second-round submission
‘We have to be very specific when we plan fights for him, because he’s nowhere near close to weight, and what you don’t want to do is put that kind of pressure to cut that much weight in that short amount of time.’ White added.
After securing three consecutive finishes since signing with the UFC last year, Pimblett has set his sights on returning to the Octagon later this year eyeing a pay-per-view event set to take place in Las Vegas on December 10.
While no opponent has yet been determined for Pimblett’s return, a number of UFC fighters have been attempting to throw their name into the hat for a matchup with the rising star.