LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 23: Paddy Pimblett of England before his fight with Jordan Leavitt of USA in the Lightweight bout during UFC Fight Night at O2 Arena on July 23, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
It turns out that there was more for Paddy Pimblett‘s fight other than continuing to move up the ranks in the UFC.
After his submission win over Jordan Leavitt, he shared an emotional message about mental health awareness.
The native of Liverpool, England, said he found out just several hours before his Friday weigh-in that one of his friends back home committed suicide.
“There’s a stigma in this world that men can’t talk,” an emotional Pimblett said in the Octagon Saturday.
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“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 killing yourself, please speak to someone. Speak to anyone.
“People would rather — I know I would rather — my mate cry on my shoulder rather than go to his funeral next week. So please, let’s get rid of this stigma. And men, start talking.”
As Pimblett was walking out of the Octagon, he was seen in tears.
And fans and users across social media came quickly in support of Pimblett, who is also known as “Paddy The Baddy.”
A user said: “Hero to many but an inspiration to all. You can never say this young man never wears his heart on his sleeve. Using his exposure to highlight important discussions.”
Another said: “Man goes from choking dude out and teabagging him, [to] celebrating with the crowd to this speech. What a guy and what draw for the sport #PaddytheBaddy.”
One other tweeted: “I’m not big into UFC, but this guy has my unwavering support. Proud that he took a strong stance for #MentalHealth in a public way.”
While Pimblett is well-known by UFC fans for his trash talk, this wasn’t the first time that he has used his platform to advocate for change.
After a post-fight victory in March, Pimblett said that if he ever earns Connor McGregor money, “no kid in Liverpool will need a food bank.”
Regardless if you like him for his skills inside the octagon or his personality, Pimblett is an easy guy to cheer for.
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