Paddy Pimblett calls out UFC boss Dana White, reveals why he will never fight on a January UFC Card

Paddy Pimblett has made it clear to UFC president Dana White and the promotion’s top officials that he does not want to fight in January ever again. The popular Liverpool fighter said an early-year bout badly affected his personal life and training routine. Despite being fully focused on his upcoming fight, Pimblett believes January cards are not suitable for him going forward.

The 31-year-old is set for the biggest fight of his career this weekend. He is set to lock horns with Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 in Las Vegas. While Pimblett insists his weight cut is on track, he admitted the timing of the bout forced him to sacrifice Christmas, his birthday, and some of his favourite food traditions.

Paddy Pimblett explains why January fights are off-limits for him

Paddy Pimblett is well known for gaining weight between fights. His post-fight eating habits have often worried fans and fighters alike. After submission wins over Rodrigo Vargas and Jordan Leavitt in 2022, his weight crossed 200 pounds. He later improved his discipline following his win against Jared Gordon, staying closer to 185 pounds outside camp. Since then, Pimblett has promised never to go above 200 pounds again.

Speaking on CBS Sports’ Goalazo show, Pimblett explained why he never wants an early-year fight again. He said this was the earliest bout of his career and stressed that January and February cards were now off the table for him. He shared that the timing spoiled both his Christmas and birthday. Pimblett added that he hopes the UFC understands his stance and said future fights should be scheduled from March onwards.

Notably, Pimblett rarely fights early in the year. Before joining the UFC, his earliest bout was in February 2018 with Cage Warriors. In the UFC, his earliest appearance came in March 2022. Despite his dislike for January events, Pimblett insisted his current weight cut is progressing well. He said he still has pounds to lose but claimed he is in better shape now than he was shortly before fighting Michael Chandler. He added that he feels sharp and full of energy.

Recently, Pimblett sparked debate online after a video appeared to show him vaping during a break in training with Tom Aspinall. The clip drew mixed reactions from fans. Some questioned his conditioning, while others defended him. Despite the noise, Pimblett appears fully locked in for Saturday night.

The fight between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje takes place on Saturday, January 24, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.





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