Following his submission victory over Jordan Leavitt at UFC Fight Night: Blades vs Aspinall last night, an emotional Paddy Pimblett gave a heartfelt speech where he spoke about the stigma surrounding men's mental health, and dedicated the win to his late friend Ricky who died from suicide earlier in the week.
The tearful Paddy Pimblett urged men to come forward and to be open about their struggles with mental health issues, using his platform in front of thousands to spread an important message.
I woke up on Friday morning at 4am to a message that one of my friends, back home, had [died]. This was five hours before my weigh-in. So Ricky lad, that's for you
"But, there's a stigma in this world that men can't talk. Listen, if you're a man and you've got weight on your shoulders, and you think the only way you can solve it is by [suicide], please speak to someone, speak to anyone. People would rather... I know I'd rather my mate cry on my shoulder than go to his funeral next week.
"So, please, let's get rid of this stigma and MEN, START TALKING!
Fighting for something bigger than himself ❤️ #UFCLondon pic.twitter.com/A7aNUFgvPU
— UFC (@ufc) July 23, 2022
Many recognisable faces in the fighting game took to Twitter to praise Pimblett for his words.
Streamer, pop star, and celebrity boxer KSI wrote, "Paddy Pimblett. WHAT A MAN."
UFC broadcaster Adam Catterall said, "Patrick Pimblett has just given one of the most powerful octagon speeches of all time A superstar using the platform to change lives Wow."
Darren Rovell wrote, "Paddy Pimblett wins and then delivers a beautiful message about mental health."
Patrick Pimblett has just given one of the most powerful octagon speeches of all time
A superstar using the platform to change lives
Wow #UFCLondon @btsportufc— Adam Catterall (@AdamCatterall) July 23, 2022
Paddy Pimblett. WHAT A MAN
— ksi (@KSI) July 23, 2022
Paddy Pimblett was recently called out for anti-immigrant tweets, which have since been deleted. We do not endorse these messages from the UFC fighter.
If you're struggling with your mental health, Samaritans offer a 24 hour help line 116 123.
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