Paddy Pimblett has returned to training ahead of a potential fight at UFC London this summer.
Fan-favourite Pimblett picked up his second promotional win earlier this year in the English capital by submitting Kazula Vargas in the first round. And he could return on July 23 when the UFC lands back at The O2 arena.
The Liverpudlian is a self-admitted foodie who is known for piling on the pounds outside of training camp. After his latest win, he scoffed an entire pizza at the post-fight press conference and went on a 11,000 calorie food binge the following day.
Pimblett has been enjoying him time in California, testing out fast food restaurants such as In-N-Out burger and even throwing the first pitch at one of San Diego Padres' recent games. But he has now got back to training ahead of his next fight.
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'The Baddy' has been polishing his skills at Studio 540 in Solana Beach under the tutelage of renowned judo coach Justin Flores. Pimblett's close friend and training partner Molly McCann was also alongside him in the gym as she trained with UFC strawweight Angela Hill.
Pimblett promised not to balloon in size after his latest win, but his eating habits eventually caught up with him as he weighed over 200lbs just two weeks after the fight. He said that although having a six-pack when he makes the lightweight limit is nice, he'd rather be "fat" as it makes him happy.
"I'd rather be fat and happy than ripped. These people who are ripped all year round are not happy, I don't care what they say. This six-pack is sound, I look great but I'd rather be fat and happy," he said.
Pimblett's upcoming fight hasn't been officially announce, but the UFC star has all but confirmed he will be competing on the London card. The Liverpudlian has been linked to a fight against unbeaten knockout artist Ottman Azaitar.
The matchup was leaked on a matchmaking board in the UFC headquarters, but Pimblett insists it isn't official. "I see that thing the other day, some baldy fella [Azaitar] they had me on a board with. My name was across from his It was on the board. I don't even know who he is or if I'm fighting him, the little mushroom," he said.
Pimblett will hope to negotiate a new deal with the UFC after upcoming fight in July. He was guaranteed just £9,000 for his last bout despite playing a big part in the event drawing a record-breaking $4.5million gate.
