British UFC star Paddy Pimblett disclosed that he received social media abuse after an interview where he openly discussed his recent mental health challenges.
Hailing from Liverpool and known as “Paddy the Baddy,” he gave a candid interview on the Sky Sports MMA Podcast in early July, confessing that his coach nearly pulled him from his upcoming fight due to depression.
The 29-year-old athlete mentioned seeking help through counseling and encouraged others facing similar struggles to do the same, labeling men`s mental health issues as an “epidemic.”
After his comments were published on Sky Sports platforms on Wednesday, Pimblett shared screenshots of the abuse directed at him on his Instagram account on Thursday.
“No wonder men stay silent,” he wrote, accompanying the post with two examples of vile abuse, one referencing the death of 97 Liverpool fans in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.
“I openly express my feelings and tell men that it`s okay to talk.”
“I`m simply told to kill myself and receive pictures of dying `scousers` in replies.”
“We need to change this mindset.”
“I need to share this because others don`t”
Leading up to his fight on Saturday at UFC 304 in Manchester, Pimblett elaborated on his recent hardships.
“About five or six weeks ago, my coach considered withdrawing me from the fight. Mentally, I wasn`t present,” Pimblett stated.
“I`m in the best shape of my life, and I`m peaking at the perfect moment. Everything in camp feels absolutely fantastic.”
“It`s crazy because five weeks ago I was thinking, `This is the worst camp of my life, what`s happening here?`”
“A few things went wrong, and even a couple of weeks ago, personal issues were getting me down. A bit of depression.”
“But I possess the attitude and positivity to turn things around. You know my confidence, so when my coach mentioned pulling me out, I responded, `No way`.”
Pimblett first publicly addressed his mental health in 2022 after losing a close friend to suicide shortly before his UFC 208 victory over Jordan Leavitt.
He left the octagon in tears after urging men to “get rid of this stigma” in his post-fight interview.
Explaining his reasons for speaking out again now, Pimblett stated, “I always have a lot going on. Whenever I start feeling negative and down, that`s when I experience a bit of depression.”
“Mentally, that aspect of life is challenging. Five weeks ago, I wasn`t in a good place. I actually messaged the place where I receive counseling and asked the woman I see, `Can I come see you?` Just to have a chat and feel better.”
“I need to share this because others don`t.”
“When I mentioned this two years ago, there was a surge in calls to the Samaritans, and people started speaking out. Lately, in Liverpool, a guy who wasn`t my friend but I`d met before, took his own life about six weeks ago.”
“Just before I started training camp about three months ago, another young MMA fighter from the north took his own life, and he`s younger than me.”
“It`s becoming an epidemic again. I`d rather people talk than take their own life.”
“Because once you take your life, it`s over. But if you talk to someone and get it off your chest, you live to fight another day, as they say.”
If you are affected by these issues or need to talk, please contact the Samaritans on the free helpline 116 123, or visit their website www.samaritans.org
