You’ve seen the photos. One week, Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett is a shredded, vein-popping lightweight powerhouse weighing 155 pounds. The next week, he looks like he’s ready to enter a competitive eating contest in a different zip code. People call it "Paddy the Fatty" or "The Scouse Yo-Yo," but the reality behind the paddy pimblett before and after transformation is more than just a funny meme.
It’s actually a pretty wild look into how high-level athletes treat their bodies when the cameras stop rolling.
The 40-Pound Rebound is Actually Real
Honestly, it sounds like an exaggeration until you look at the scale. After his massive win over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April 2025, Paddy didn't just celebrate; he went on a tear. He openly admitted to gaining about 40 pounds in a shockingly short window.
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We’re talking about a guy who wakes up at 190 or 195 pounds just weeks after making the 156-pound championship limit.
Why does it happen? Basically, the man loves his food. He’s been very vocal about his post-fight benders involving milkshakes, donuts, and massive amounts of fried chicken. It’s a total 180 from the 1,900-calorie-a-day grind he endures under his nutritionist, Joel McCarthy (The Macro Chef).
When he’s in camp, it’s all lean protein and measured carbs. When he’s out? It's 8,000 calories a day. That is not a typo.
How He Actually Shreds the Weight
The paddy pimblett before and after process isn't just about "eating less." It’s a calculated, often grueling, scientific experiment.
- The Baseline Adjustment: About six to eight weeks out, he starts cutting out the junk. Usually, he’s sitting around 185-190 pounds at this stage. He focuses on high-volume, low-calorie foods to trick his brain into feeling full.
- Water Loading: This is the part most fans don't see. He drinks gallons of water to trigger his body to "flush" everything out. As the weigh-in gets closer, he cuts the water entirely, but his body keeps flushing.
- The Final 24 Hours: This is the "after" photo everyone waits for. Hot baths, sweat suits, and saunas. For the Chandler fight, he had to drop roughly 14 pounds in the final 12 hours.
It works, but it’s taxing. Veteran fighters like Matt Brown have criticized this, saying it’s going to catch up to him as he hits his 30s. Honestly, he's 31 now, and the weight cuts don't get easier.
The Evolution of the "Baddy" Rank
People used to joke that Paddy was just a hype train, a loudmouth from Liverpool who couldn't back it up. That narrative is dead. Since his UFC debut, he hasn't lost.
His victory over King Green at UFC 304—a first-round triangle choke that put Green to sleep—was the moment the "before and after" changed from a joke about his weight to a serious discussion about his talent. He didn't just win; he dominated a ranked veteran.
Then came the Chandler fight.
Stopping Michael Chandler via TKO in the third round catapulted him into the Top 10. As of early 2026, Paddy sits at #8 in the official UFC lightweight rankings. He’s no longer the "unranked star"; he’s a legitimate contender in the shark tank of 155 pounds.
Mental Health and the "Man Behind the Mask"
We can't talk about his physical transformation without the mental one. Paddy famously used his post-fight speech in 2022 to talk about men's suicide prevention after losing a friend. That moment changed how people saw him.
He’s admitted that the binge-eating might be a sort of "eating disorder" triggered by the extremes of MMA. He’s been in therapy. He’s open about it. He even started The Baddy Foundation to help with food insecurity and mental health in Liverpool.
It’s easy to judge a guy for getting "fat" between fights, but Paddy’s openness about his struggles makes him one of the most relatable figures in a sport built on "tough guy" personas.
The Financial Growth: From £12k to Millions
The "before" Paddy was a Cage Warriors star fighting for relatively small purses. The "after" Paddy is a multi-millionaire.
- Barstool Sports Deal: Signed a deal worth over $1 million back in 2021.
- Performance Bonuses: He’s a "Performance of the Night" machine, nearly always pocketing an extra $50,000 every time he steps in the cage.
- Net Worth: Estimates put his wealth around $5 million in 2026.
He’s leveraged that goofy "wig" persona and the weight gain stories into a massive YouTube following and several high-end sponsorships. He’s basically turned his life into a reality show that fans can’t stop watching.
What’s Next for the Scouse Star?
Looking ahead, the road doesn't get easier. He’s currently slated to face Justin Gaethje. That is a massive jump in competition.
If he wins that, we are looking at a potential title shot against Islam Makhachev.
The concern is always whether the paddy pimblett before and after cycles will finally break his body. You can only drop 40 pounds so many times before your kidneys or your chin give out.
If you're looking to take a page out of Paddy's book, maybe stick to the "advocating for mental health" and "working hard in the gym" parts. The 8,000-calorie pizza benders? Probably best left to the professionals.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Athletes:
- Moderation over Extremes: If you aren't a professional athlete with a medical team, avoid "yo-yo" dieting. It wreaks havoc on your metabolism.
- Mental Health First: Paddy’s biggest wins haven't been in the cage, but in the therapy chair. Don't be afraid to talk if you're struggling.
- Support Local: Paddy’s "Baddy Foundation" is a great example of using a platform for good. Look for ways to support your own community's food banks or mental health clinics.
- Consistency Wins: Despite the weight gains, Paddy never misses weight and never stops training. The "before and after" only works because he puts in the work when it counts.