Popular Liverpool fighter Paddy Pimblett has delivered a clear message to UFC president Dana White and the promotion's top officials: he will no longer accept fights scheduled for January. The 31-year-old athlete, known for his charismatic personality and fighting skills, has stated that early-year bouts have a severely negative impact on his personal life and training routine.
Why January Fights Are Now Off-Limits
Despite being fully focused on his upcoming high-stakes match, Pimblett has openly declared that January fight cards are unsuitable for him moving forward. In an interview on CBS Sports' Goalazo show, he explained that this weekend's bout represents the earliest fight of his entire career, and he emphasized that both January and February events are now firmly off the table.
The timing has forced him to make significant personal sacrifices, including missing Christmas celebrations, his birthday, and some of his cherished food traditions. Pimblett expressed hope that the UFC leadership will understand his position and schedule his future fights from March onward.
Historic Pattern and Current Preparation
Notably, Pimblett has rarely competed early in the year throughout his career. Before joining the UFC, his earliest bout occurred in February 2018 with Cage Warriors. Since entering the UFC, his earliest appearance came in March 2022.
Despite his strong stance against January events, Pimblett insists his current weight cut for the interim lightweight title fight is progressing smoothly. He acknowledged he still has pounds to lose but claimed he's in better physical condition now than he was before his fight against Michael Chandler. The fighter added that he feels sharp, energetic, and fully prepared for the challenge ahead.
Weight Management Journey and Recent Controversy
Paddy Pimblett has become well-known for his significant weight fluctuations between fights, with his post-fight eating habits often worrying both fans and fellow fighters. After submission victories over Rodrigo Vargas and Jordan Leavitt in 2022, his weight reportedly crossed 200 pounds.
However, he demonstrated improved discipline following his win against Jared Gordon, maintaining his weight closer to 185 pounds outside training camp. Since that period, Pimblett has made a promise to never exceed 200 pounds again.
Recently, the fighter sparked online debate after a video surfaced showing him vaping during a training break with Tom Aspinall. The clip generated mixed reactions from the MMA community, with some questioning his conditioning while others defended his approach. Despite this external noise, Pimblett appears completely focused on Saturday night's crucial matchup.
The High-Stakes Weekend Showdown
Paddy Pimblett is set for what many consider the biggest fight of his career this weekend. He will lock horns with Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight championship at UFC 324 in Las Vegas. The highly anticipated bout takes place on Saturday, January 24, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, promising to be a pivotal moment in both fighters' careers.
