Foodie Paddy Pimblett Makes Major Demand to Dana White: “Never Ever Fighting in January”

UFC lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett talks about his UFC 324 training camp and sacrificing food during holidays.

Foodie Paddy Pimblett Makes Major Demand to Dana White: “Never Ever Fighting in January”

Paddy Pimblett doesn't want to fight in January ever (via X)

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Paddy Pimblett will return to action this weekend against lightweight veteran Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in a highly anticipated main event. Both fighters will clash for the interim lightweight championship and make a grand debut on the new UFC Paramount card. Pimblett is ready for the showdown, although this fight camp has turned out to be the toughest one for the Scouser.

UFC 324 was announced last November after Ilia Topuria withdrew because of personal issues, reshaping the highly anticipated main event. Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje accepted immediately, promising fireworks while dedicating intense training sessions toward their massive lightweight showdown. 

Pimblett arrived in excellent shape, yet admitted struggling in this camp because of his well-known love for food held him back in the holiday season. During a CBS interview, he explained that holiday temptations made strict dieting difficult, despite his understanding of professional discipline requirements. 

I have never fought this early before. I’m never ever fighting in January and February ever again. I just hope everyone in the UFC knows that. It ruined my Christmas, ruined my birthday. I’m just looking forward to loads of food, lad.

Paddy Pimblett via CBS Sports 

Paddy Pimblett is an extreme foodie who often balloons close to 200 lbs shortly after finishing every professional fight appearance. Before fight week, he transforms drastically, cutting massive weight and arriving ripped, proving his body adapts impressively under pressure. Fans and experts have consistently raised concerns about long-term health risks, discipline questions, and eating disorders. 

Despite criticism, Pimblett refuses to compromise with food, believing personal happiness and mental comfort remain essential for competitive success. Paddy Pimblett’s YouTube videos frequently show him visiting restaurants, eating enormous meals, and breaking several outrageous food-eating records.

He recently accused Arman Tsarukyan of copying his food-focused personality, claiming it was an attempt to become more relatable with fans. Ahead of UFC 324, Paddy Pimblett is focused on beating Justin Gaethje and getting back to eating food without any hesitation. More than the belt, he’s looking forward to ice creams and milkshakes in post-fight celebrations.

Paddy Pimblett issues brutal threat to Justin Gaethje

Justin Gaethje has already fought for the lightweight championship twice and is a former interim title holder. At the age of 37, ‘The Highlight’ understands that this is his last chance to get close to the undisputed UFC gold before retirement comes. The fighter wants to defeat the UK star and move on to fight Ilia Topuria for the undisputed title. 

Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje face to face
Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje face to face (via X)

Going into the fight, Paddy Pimblett is the betting favorite, mainly because of his wrestling and submission skills in recent fights. Justin Gaethje dismissed that hype, stating the Scouser is not comparable to his former rival, Khabib Nurmagomedov, in overall dominance.

Gaethje trusts his takedown defense completely and believes he can survive Pimblett’s grappling attacks with relative comfort and confidence. Pimblett, however, welcomes chaos, promising a brutal war while aiming to destroy the veteran during their UFC 324 clash.

He won’t be physically the same after this fight. I’ll be exactly the same. I want to put a beatdown on him like he’s never received, and I can promise you that.

Paddy Pimblett via UFC 324 presser 

According to Paddy Pimblett, Gaethje is a boxer with strong kicks, claiming the fight will not move past three rounds. The Highlight believes the young fighter’s overconfidence could become extremely dangerous once real pressure starts building. 

Both fighters share no personal beef, yet identical championship goals have fueled ruthless intentions to destroy each other this Saturday. It will be interesting to see whether Gaethje experice will be able to beat Pimbletts’ youth and momentum.

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