Paddy Pimblett stopped by Conor McGregor’s pub in Ireland in 2022 and the former two-weight champion was quick to joke about the Liverpudlian’s weight gain
Conor McGregor couldn’t help but comment on fellow UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett‘s weight gain during a FaceTime chat at his Dublin boozer back in 2022.
The Scouser popped into McGregor’s Black Forge Inn with his mates, coaches and partner in crime, former UFC fighter Molly McCann. After tucking into a steak and burger, Pimblett had a video call with McGregor, who was busy shooting his first Hollywood film in the Dominican Republic at the time.
McGregor was quick to point out that Pimblett has put on a lot of weight since his last fight, stating: “You’re already putting all that weight on again, lad! It’s crazy because your face is way different straight away.” Pimblett, who is no stranger to going on post-fight binges, then responded to McGregor: “Yeah, I’m back up to 191lb already.”
Pimblett’s long-time friend and training partner McCann also had a phone conversation with McGregor, exclaiming “Conor, you’re a f***ing belter lad” whilst proudly displaying her new veneers. ‘Meatball’ suggested they organise a ‘lock-in’ – where a select few remain in a pub drinking beyond closing time – to which the former two-division champion responded “then we’ll get it”.
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‘The Baddy’ has previously opened up about how his yo-yoing weight between training camps has triggered an eating disorder. “I’ve had party days. I’ve been bad then. I got into gambling a little and I was bad with that. I think now it’s moved on to food. I genuinely think I’m a food addict,” he revealed.
“I think I’ve got a bit of an eating disorder because of MMA. The weight cuts, dieting, I genuinely think I have a bit of an eating disorder. People when they go eat with me they are visibly shocked at how much I can eat.”
Speaking on his podcast in 2022, he further commented on his love for food, revealing: “It’s crazy because I love fighting but I love eating lots and lots of food, so to do what I love in fighting, I have to take away the other thing I love, so it’s a double-edged sword. I think I appreciate my food a lot more now from when I started MMA, well, I know for a fact I do, 100 per cent I do.”
Following his first few fights inside the UFC octagon, the 31-year-old has been known to consume around 10,000 calories a day. The Scouse scrapper often receives more attention for his eating habits instead of his fights. Just days after his recent win – a knockout victory over Michael Chandler last April – the Liverpool native revealed he was heavy enough to weigh in as a light-heavyweight fighter.
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After returning home from Miami, the Brit – fully clothed – tipped the scales at 200lb. He shared a video on YouTube where he was seen consuming a huge Chinese takeout in his kitchen. Fans were quick to react, with one saying: “It’s crazy how fast your body changes!” and another commented on his attitude towards food: “The appreciation and mindfulness Paddy shows when eating food is something to behold.” A third suggested: “Paddy the only guy I think could beat Eddie Hall in Calorie Eating Contest.”
The 31-year-old is set to make his return to action on Saturday night when he takes on Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title. While he will no doubt enjoy life after this weekend – having sacrificed Christmas – an undisputed showdown with Ilia Topuria will be the next step, providing he comes away unscathed in Sin City.
Amid concerns about his weight, Pimblett relieved fans by revealing he’s in the best shape of his life ahead of his dust-up with Gaethje. “This is the best I’ve ever been in camp. We’ve had a great camp,” Pimblett, said. “It’s very cliché to say but I am in the best shape of my life. I’ve got the least amount of weight to cut that I’ve had in years. I feel fantastic. I don’t see how anybody can beat me, never mind Justin Gaethje.”
When is Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje?
The mouthwatering showdown between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje will take place on Saturday, January 24, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The early prelims are expected to get underway at around 10pm GMT (5pm ET / 2pm PT / 4pm CT), with the regular prelims due to start at 12am GMT on Sunday (7pm ET / 4pm PT / 6pm CT). The main card will begin at a new time of 2am GMT on Sunday (9pm ET / 6pm PT / 8pm CT).
In the main event Pimblett will likely make the walk to the cage first at around 4am GMT on Sunday (11pm ET / 8pm PT / 10pm CT), with Gaethje set to follow immediately after. The timings of all fights are subject to change and will depend on how long the undercard takes to complete.
For those watching in the United Kingdom, fans will be able to watch the entire action live on TNT Sports Box Office at a cost of £19.99. The event is available to purchase on discovery+, EE TV, Prime Video, Sky and Virgin Media TV. You do not need to be a TNT Sports subscriber to buy the event. UFC 324 marks a new era for the promotion after penning a deal with Paramount. So, for those watching in America, Paramount+ is where you will be able to watch all of the action.
