Paddy Pimblett’s Popularity in South Korea Explained by Retired MMA Fighter

Former UFC welterweight contender reveals how Paddy Pimblett is one of the most popular name associated with the UFC in Korea.

Paddy Pimblett’s Popularity in South Korea Explained by Retired MMA Fighter

Paddy Pimblett is famous in Korea ( via SPORTbible)

In Short
  • Paddy Pimblett gained fame in MMA after winning the Cage Warriors championship and signing with the UFC in 2021.
  • Dong Hyun Kim highlighted Pimblett's popularity in South Korea, noting a growing fanbase for the UFC in the country.
  • Despite a recent loss to Justin Gaethje, Pimblett remains a major draw due to his engaging personality and ongoing rivalries.

Paddy Pimblett rose quickly in MMA after becoming the Cage Warriors Fighting champion, where his finishing style made him a standout European prospect. This earned him a UFC contract in 2021. Since then, Pimblett has grown into a global star. His rise was highlighted when former UFC welterweight fighter Dong Hyun Kim visited him, who underlined the Liverpudlian’s international recognition.

Kim is a South Korean veteran who competed in the UFC welterweight division and his nation’s earliest major representatives alongside The Korean Zombie. He earned notable wins over fighters like Tarec Saffiedine, Nate Diaz, and Erick Silva with his grappling-heavy style. He later faced Colby Covington in 2017 and retired after that loss, ending his UFC career as a recognized MMA veteran from South Korea.

Pimblett has become a mainstay on YouTube through vlogs covering his daily life, training camps, and UFC behind-the-scenes content. His videos boost his global profile by showing his preparation and lifestyle. He recently supported longtime friend Molly McCann at her boxing fight. He also trained with Kim at Next Generation MMA in Liverpool, where the UFC veteran noted his popularity in Korea

There are lots of fans in Korea for Paddy, very famous, very famous. The UFC has gotten really popular in Korea so everyone is watching Paddy and everyone in the UFC at the moment.

Dong Hyun Kim’s translator via Paddy The Baddy on YouTube

Except for Dong Hyun Kim, South Korea has had an impact on UFC through key fighters. One standout is Chan Sung Jung, ‘The Korean Zombie’, known for his aggressive style and durability. He earned wins over Dustin Poirier and Frankie Edgar and became famous for the first Twister submission in UFC history. Jung challenged for the featherweight title twice before retiring in 2023 after a knockout loss to Max Holloway.

Pimblett’s popularity has been reinforced by his fearless persona and trash talk inside and outside the cage. He started a rivalry in 2022 with Ilia Topuria, which became one of the UFC’s most heated modern tensions between rising contenders. Topuria later became lightweight champion at UFC 317, and their feud escalated when he shoved Pimblett after he entered the cage, keeping their ongoing rivalry alive.

While Dong Hyun Kim has hinted at Paddy Pimblett’s growing popularity, the Liverpudlian’s career took a major hit after losing to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in January 2026. Despite that setback, Pimblett remains a major draw due to his personality and fan appeal. He is now rumored to be targeting a comeback against French lightweight Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329 during International Fight Week.

Paddy Pimblett reveals his weight on fight night

Paddy Pimblett has always followed a simple post-fight routine, often stepping away from strict discipline after competing. The English fighter is frequently seen indulging in pizzas and sweet treats before and after fights. His love for food has been a consistent part of his persona. However, he has revealed that he previously consumed close to 8,000 calories a day before later adjusting his diet.

Paddy Pimblett talks about his next fight
Paddy Pimblett talks about his next fight (via MMA Sucka)

Between camps and just days after fights, Paddy Pimblett often looks unrecognizable as he gains significant weight and appears visibly bloated. He has spoken about suffering extreme strain during weight cuts, including a serious scare where he almost risked kidney damage due to dehydration. He has also recently revealed details about his fight-week weight and rehydration.

I’m only ever 70 kilograms (155 pounds) for one or two hours. I get back into the cage at 87 kilograms (191 pounds).

Paddy Pimblett via his YouTube channel

One of the most popular critics of Paddy Pimblett’s lifestyle has been Joe Rogan. The UFC commentator has raised concerns about the risks linked to Pimblett’s extreme weight cuts and rapid rehydration after fights. He has also pointed to potential long-term health issues from such drastic weight changes. Pimblett’s own admissions about large shifts between fight week and weight have added to the debate.

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