UFC fighter packs on 20 kg in 9 days with post-win feasts

By Hong Duy April 24, 2025 | 04:15 am PT

British MMA fighter Paddy Pimblett has packed on nearly 20 kg in just over a week, reaching the heaviest weight of his career following a victory over Michael Chandler at the UFC.

Pimblett defeated Chandler via technical knockout on April 12, earning a spot in the UFC lightweight division's top 10 and taking home the Performance of the Night bonus.

Just hours after his win, the 30-year-old celebrated with cigars and a big feast. By April 21, Pimblett revealed that his weight had gone up to nearly 90 kg, a stark contrast from the below-70kg figure he needed to make the lightweight limit just days earlier.

Paddy Pimblett (red shorts) beats Michael Chandler at UFC 314 on April 12, 2025. Photo by Instagram/@theufcbaddy

Paddy Pimblett (up) beats Michael Chandler at UFC 314 on April 12, 2025. Photo by Instagram/@theufcbaddy

"On Sunday I had about 5 milkshakes after the fight," Pimblett said on the "It's Time" podcast. This morning I woke up like 198, which is fat. That's about the heaviest I get, I never really touch 200. Only if I'm in the States, the food just makes me into a machine. I'm massive in the States, but when I get back to the U.K., the highest I reach is like 195 lb (88 kg)."

This rapid weight gain is not new for Pimblett. In January 2024, he stunned fans when he appeared significantly heavier just two weeks after defeating Tony Ferguson in Las Vegas. A photo he posted during a New Year holiday with his pregnant wife, Laura Pimblett, sparked surprised comments online.

Unlike many fighters who maintain lean physiques year-round, Pimblett unapologetically indulges between fights.

Pimblett posts a photo of himself enjoying a lavish feast the day after defeating Chandler on April 13, 2025. Photo by Instagram/@theufcbaddy

Paddu Pimblett posts a photo of himself enjoying a lavish feast the day after defeating Michael Chandler, April 13, 2025. Photo by Instagram/@theufcbaddy

"I'd rather be fat and happy than ripped," he said. "These people who are ripped all year round are not happy, I don't care what they say."

A former Cage Warriors champion, Pimblett now boasts a 23-3 record in his MMA career. Following his win over Chandler, he has called out top contenders including Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan.

A win over any of them could push Pimblett one step closer to a potential title shot against current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.