Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett, a name synonymous with exciting fights and dramatic weight fluctuations, has captivated the UFC world. His ability to consistently make weight despite ballooning between fights has sparked curiosity and debate. This article delves into the weight loss strategies employed by Pimblett, offering insights into his diet, training regimen, and the mindset that fuels his transformations.
The Science Behind the Shift: Calorie Deficit and Extreme Fluctuations
Pimblett himself sheds light on his weight management approach, emphasizing the fundamental principle of a calorie deficit. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, he debunks any notion of a complicated system, stating, "There's no rocket science to it. It's not hard. Get yourself in a calorie deficit."
He openly acknowledges the extreme nature of his dietary changes, explaining, "Why do you think I get so fat? Because I've got to go from eating 1,500 to 2,000 calories a day to eating 8,000 a day. That's why the weight piles on and that's why it comes off so easy." This drastic shift highlights the significant impact of calorie intake on weight gain and loss.
The Macro Chef's Role: Fueling Performance with Precision
A key figure in Pimblett's pre-fight preparation is his friend Joel McCarthy, known as "The Macro Chef." McCarthy plays a crucial role in ensuring Pimblett is adequately fueled for training camp. According to McCarthy, Pimblett consumes "between 1,400 and 1,700 calories" daily during this period. This controlled caloric intake, combined with a structured training program, allows Pimblett to effectively shed weight while maintaining the energy required for rigorous workouts.
Overcoming Challenges: The Road to UFC 282
Pimblett's journey to UFC 282, where he faced Jared Gordon, exemplifies the challenges and discipline involved in his weight cuts. He openly discussed the difficulties he faced leading up to his previous fight, a second-round submission victory against Jordan Leavitt.
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"Last camp was one of the worst camps of my life," Pimblett revealed. "The day I got back from America, I had, like, seven weeks to make weight. The UFC just announced that date and I was like, I’m going to have to fight on it, aren’t I? It’s in the O2. I had seven weeks to lose, like, 20 kilos [approx. 44 pounds], and I did it."
Despite the limited time and significant weight to lose, Pimblett successfully made weight, silencing his critics and demonstrating his unwavering commitment.
The Final Stretch: Confidence and Determination
With weeks to go before the Gordon fight, Pimblett expressed confidence in his ability to make weight. "Where I’m at now, I’ve got, like, nine kilos [approx. 20 pounds] to lose. I’ve done more than that overnight. I’ve done 8.4 kilos overnight before, I can do nine kilos in four weeks." This statement reflects his experience and belief in his ability to manage his weight effectively.
The Post-Fight Reality: Extreme Weight Gain
Pimblett's weight fluctuations aren't limited to pre-fight cuts; he also experiences significant weight gain between competitions. Speaking on Bruce Buffer's IT'S TIME podcast after UFC 314, Pimblett revealed the extent of his post-fight weight gain.
"This morning, I woke up at 198 lbs, which is fat," Pimblett said. "That's about the heaviest I get." Considering he weighed 155 lbs for his fight, this represents a staggering 43 lbs (19.5 kilograms) increase in a short period. This tendency to gain weight rapidly between fights places him, at times, in the light heavyweight range outside of training camp.
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Implications for Future Fights: Short Notice Considerations
Pimblett's extreme weight fluctuations could potentially impact his availability for short-notice fights. The significant amount of weight he gains between competitions would require a more extended period to cut down to the lightweight limit, making it challenging to accept fights on short notice.
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