Paddy Pimblett, the Liverpool fighter known for his confidence, has spoken to the media about his recent mental health challenges leading up to UFC 304 in Manchester.
Pimblett, nicknamed `Paddy the Baddy`, is known for his outspoken personality and fighting skills. He is scheduled to face American Bobby Green, continuing his rising career in the lightweight division.
In a candid interview on a podcast, the 29-year-old revealed that he experienced a bout of depression that almost led to his withdrawal from a recent fight.
`About five or six weeks ago my coach considered pulling me out because mentally, I wasn`t in the right place,` Pimblett admitted.
Despite this, he added, `I`m in peak physical condition, and my training is perfectly timed. Everything in camp feels fantastic now.`
He contrasted this with his earlier struggles: `It`s crazy because just five weeks prior, I felt like this was the worst camp ever, and I couldn`t understand why.`
`Several things went wrong, and even recently, personal issues were bringing me down, leading to a bit of depression.`
Despite his confident persona, Pimblett disclosed his recent battle with depression.
Pimblett explained his ability to recover: `But I have the attitude and positivity to turn things around. Despite my coach considering withdrawal, my confidence kicked in, and I said, `No chance“.
Pimblett disclosed that he sought help for his mental state and urged anyone facing similar difficulties to do the same.
`I always have a lot happening in my life. When I start feeling negative and down, that`s when I experience depression,` he shared.
`The mental aspect is challenging. Five weeks ago, I wasn`t in a good space. I reached out to my counselor and asked for an appointment to talk and feel better.`
`I feel it`s important to share this because many people don`t.`
Pimblett emphasized the importance of sharing experiences and encouraging others to speak out.
He highlighted the impact of his previous openness: `When I spoke about this two years ago, there was a significant increase in calls to mental health support lines and people seeking help. Recently, a young man in Liverpool, someone I knew, tragically took his own life about six weeks ago.`
`Just before my training camp started three months ago, another young MMA fighter from the north, younger than me, also committed suicide.`
`It`s becoming a recurring problem. I`d rather people talk than resort to taking their own lives.`
`Because suicide is final. But talking to someone and sharing your burden allows you to keep fighting, as they say.`
Following his victory in July 2022 against Jordan Leavitt, Pimblett urged people to discuss their mental health: `People would rather… I know I would rather have my friend cry on my shoulder than attend his funeral next week. So, let`s eliminate the stigma. Men, start talking.`
He concluded, `People often commend me for what I`m doing, but I believe I`m just doing my part. Anyone in my position with a platform should be doing this.`
`Many people don`t talk enough about these issues. Given my platform, I should use it for good and raise awareness.`
