Paddy Pimblett cut down to the 156‑lb lightweight limit on Friday 10 July 2026, directly refuting recent accusations that he was “fat and unprofessional” ahead of his UFC 329 bout with Benoit Saint‑Denis.
What happened?
Embedded cameras from UFC Embedded captured Pimblett stepping into a sauna the morning of the pre‑fight press conference. The 31‑year‑old English fighter, who had ballooned to roughly 210 lb after his January loss to Justin Gaethje, emerged looking lean and confident. He announced, “I’m the master at cutting weight,” before heading into the official weigh‑ins later that day.
Why it matters for Paddy Pimblett
The weight‑cut narrative hits a nerve because critics have used his post‑Gaethje bulk to question his professionalism. By shedding 54 lb in a matter of weeks, Pimblett not only proves his physical discipline but also protects his marketability. A clean cut reinforces his claim to be a serious contender in the lightweight division and keeps the hype machine turning ahead of a high‑profile card.
Who helped him succeed?
Pimblett credited strength‑and‑conditioning guru Paul Reed for the transformation. “I’ve got the best in the business right here, Paul Reed,” he told reporters after the sauna session. Reed, known for guiding several UFC athletes through aggressive cuts, designed a nutrition and dehydration protocol that allowed Pimblett to drop weight without sacrificing performance, according to the team’s brief briefing.
What’s next for the Baddy?
With the weigh‑ins completed, Pimblett now focuses on the fight against Benoit Saint‑Denis at UFC 329 on 29 July 2026 in Las Vegas. He also hinted at a dream matchup with Conor McGregor later in the year, ideally at welterweight in Madison Square Garden. If he wins against Saint‑Denis, the McGregor fight could become the next headline, potentially making UFC 329 the most‑watched event of the year.
How fans reacted
Social media lit up as clips of the sauna cut spread. Supporters praised his work ethic, while detractors remained skeptical, demanding a win to back the weight‑loss claim. The buzz has already translated into a surge in ticket sales for the Saint‑Denis bout, showing that the narrative around his physique is now a selling point rather than a distraction.
Bottom line
Pimblett’s successful cut on 10 July 2026 demonstrates his ability to manage drastic weight changes, silences the “fat” narrative, and positions him as a compelling draw for UFC 329. The upcoming fight will be the true test of whether the physical transformation translates into a victory in the Octagon.