McGregor's Pub Shock: Paddy Pimblett's Weight Gain Jibe Revealed
In a candid moment from 2022, Conor McGregor did not hold back when commenting on fellow UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett's noticeable weight gain during a FaceTime conversation. The incident occurred when Pimblett visited McGregor's renowned Black Forge Inn pub in Dublin, accompanied by his mates, coaches, and close friend, former UFC fighter Molly McCann.
A Surprise Call and a Blunt Observation
After enjoying a hearty meal of steak and burger at the establishment, Pimblett connected with McGregor via video call. At the time, McGregor was occupied filming his debut Hollywood project in the Dominican Republic. Without hesitation, the former two-weight champion pointed out Pimblett's changed physique, remarking, "You're already putting all that weight on again, lad! It's crazy because your face is way different straight away."
Pimblett, who has openly discussed his tendencies for post-fight indulgence, responded candidly, "Yeah, I’m back up to 191lb already." This exchange highlighted the light-hearted yet revealing dynamic between the two fighters.
Molly McCann's Involvement and Pub Plans
During the same visit, Molly McCann also engaged in a phone conversation with McGregor. She enthusiastically praised him, exclaiming, "Conor, you're a f***ing belter lad," while proudly showing off her new dental veneers. McCann, affectionately known as 'Meatball', proposed organising a 'lock-in'—a tradition where a select group continues drinking in a pub after official closing hours. McGregor readily agreed to the idea, responding, "then we'll get it."
Pimblett's Struggles with Weight and Eating Habits
Paddy Pimblett has been vocal about the challenges he faces with weight management, attributing his fluctuating size to the rigorous demands of MMA training camps. He has revealed that this cycle has contributed to an eating disorder, stating, "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."
Further elaborating on his podcast in 2022, Pimblett described the conflict between his passion for fighting and his love for food. "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," he explained. He added that he now appreciates food more than ever since beginning his MMA career.
Public Reaction and Fan Concerns
Following his initial UFC bouts, Pimblett gained notoriety for consuming around 10,000 calories daily, often drawing more attention to his eating habits than his performances in the octagon. After a knockout victory over Michael Chandler in April, he revealed he had reached a weight suitable for the light-heavyweight division, tipping the scales at 200lb upon returning home from Miami.
In a YouTube video, Pimblett was seen devouring a substantial Chinese takeout in his kitchen, prompting varied reactions from fans. One viewer noted, "It's crazy how fast your body changes!" while another admired his approach, commenting, "The appreciation and mindfulness Paddy shows when eating food is something to behold." A third fan humorously suggested, "Paddy the only guy I think could beat Eddie Hall in Calorie Eating Contest."
Upcoming Fight and Current Condition
Despite these concerns, Pimblett is set to return to action in a highly anticipated bout against Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title this Saturday night. He has reassured fans about his physical readiness, asserting, "This is the best I've ever been in camp. We've had a great camp. 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."
Should he emerge victorious and unscathed from this encounter in Las Vegas, an undisputed title fight with Ilia Topuria looms as the next potential challenge, marking a significant step in his career trajectory.
Event Details and Viewing Information
The clash between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The early prelims are expected to commence at approximately 10pm GMT, with the regular prelims following at 12am GMT on Sunday. The main card will begin at a revised time of 2am GMT on Sunday.
In the main event, Pimblett is likely to enter the cage first around 4am GMT on Sunday, with Gaethje following shortly after. All timings are subject to change based on the duration of the undercard bouts.
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the event will be broadcast live on TNT Sports Box Office, available for purchase at £19.99 through platforms such as discovery+, EE TV, Prime Video, Sky, and Virgin Media TV. Notably, a TNT Sports subscription is not required to access the fight. In the United States, following a new partnership with Paramount, the action will be streamed on Paramount+, reflecting a new era for UFC broadcasting.
