British UFC star Paddy Pimblett has revealed he has been subjected to abuse on social media in a recent interview in which he opened up about his mental health struggles.
The Liverpool native, known as 'Paddy the Baddy', gave a powerful interview. Sky Sports MMA Podcast In early July, he also revealed that his coach almost pulled him out of an upcoming match because of depression.
The 29-year-old has sought help through counselling and has urged others struggling with similar issues to seek advice, describing mental health issues among men as an “epidemic”.
After posting his comments on Sky Sports' platform on Wednesday, Pimblett took to his Instagram account on Thursday to share a screenshot of the abuse he had been subjected to.
“No wonder men keep quiet,” he wrote, alongside two scandalous examples of abuse, one of which referred to the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 that left 97 Liverpool fans dead.
“I tell guys it's okay to be open about your feelings and talk to them.
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Pimblett previously said he was abused on social media following his 2022 UFC win over Jared Gordon.
“They just told me to kill myself, and they replied with pictures of the Scousers dying.
“We need to change this way of thinking.”
'I have to share this because no one else is sharing it'
Pimblett detailed his recent struggles ahead of his fight on Saturday at UFC 304 in Manchester.
“About five or six weeks ago, the coach was considering cutting me. Mentally, I just wasn't there,” Pimblett said.
“I'm in the best shape of my life, and I'm peaking at the right time. Everything feels great at camp.
“I'm really upset because five weeks ago I was like, 'This is the worst camp I've ever been to. What's going on here?'”
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Pimblett and fellow UFC fighter Molly McCann have been honoured with a stunning mural in Liverpool.
“There have been a few things that have gone wrong, and even a few weeks ago, a few things on a personal level have made me depressed. A little bit depressed.
“But I have that attitude and that positive attitude that I can turn it around. You know my confidence. So when the coach talked about taking me out, I said, 'Absolutely not.'”
Pimblett first opened up about his mental health in 2022 after losing a close friend to suicide shortly before his win over Jordan Leavitt at UFC 208.
He left Palgakjeong in tears after urging men to “get rid of this stigma” in a post-match interview.
Explaining why he's speaking out again now, Pimblett said: “I've always had a lot going on. When I start feeling negative and depressed, that's when I get a little depressed.
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Take a look at some of the hiatuses of Pimblett's career so far.
“Mentally, that aspect is tough. Up until five weeks ago, I wasn't in the best shape. I actually messaged the place I go to for counseling, and I messaged the woman I go to and said, 'Can I come and see you? ' Just to talk for a bit and feel better.
“I have to share this because other people aren't sharing it.
“When I told this story two years ago, there was a surge in calls to Samaritans and people speaking out. There's a young man in Liverpool now, not a friend of mine but someone I've met before, who committed suicide six weeks ago.
“About three months before I started camp, another young MMA fighter from the North, younger than me, committed suicide.
“It's becoming an epidemic again. I'd rather people talk than kill themselves.
“Once you take your life, it's over. It's over. But if you talk to someone and get it out of your chest, as they say, you live to fight another day.”
If you are struggling with these issues or would like counselling, please contact Samaritans on their toll-free hotline 116 123 or visit their website at www.samaritans.org.
