Paddy Pimblett officially weighed 156 pounds for UFC 329. Approximately 36 hours later, he entered the Octagon at an estimated 190.
Pimblett revealed the extent of that transformation during an appearance on The Green Light podcast with Jason Kelce and Beau Allen, reigniting the conversation surrounding his dramatic weight fluctuations.
I got back in the cage at 190, 36 hours later,” Pimblett said.
The Liverpool lightweight claimed he had already reached 168 pounds only two-and-a-half hours after weighing in, despite consuming nothing but water. He estimated that he was around 180 by the ceremonial weigh-ins later that day.
Pimblett was then recorded at approximately 194 pounds while fully clothed upon arriving at T-Mobile Arena for the event. After accounting for his tracksuit and other clothing, he estimated his actual fight-night weight at 190. That represents a gain of roughly 34 pounds between the official weigh-in and his fight against Benoit Saint-Denis.
The figures become even more striking when Pimblett’s entire training camp is considered. He said his weight climbed as high as 210 pounds during his time away from competition, requiring a 54-pound reduction to reach the non-title lightweight limit. That does not mean Pimblett dehydrated himself by 54 pounds during fight week. The 210-pound figure represented his out-of-camp high, while the reduction to 156 occurred across his preparation for UFC 329.
Pimblett’s ability to restore much of that weight before competing nevertheless drew criticism online. Some fans accused him of being a “weight bully,” arguing that his size inside the cage gave him an unfair advantage over Saint-Denis.
He’s the real weight bully,” wrote one fan after Pimblett’s revelation.
Another viewer wrote, “That’s how much Islam [Makhachev] weighs at welterweight, maybe slightly less. Wild.
There is no indication that Pimblett violated any UFC or athletic-commission rule. Both fighters officially weighed 156 pounds, and the UFC does not impose a separate fight-night weight limit. Saint-Denis’ weight after rehydrating has not been disclosed, making a direct comparison impossible.
Whatever size advantage Pimblett may have carried, the fight did not last long enough for it to become a prolonged factor. He countered an early takedown attempt and rendered Saint-Denis unconscious with a D’Arce choke just 52 seconds into the opening round. The victory restored Pimblett’s momentum following his January loss to Justin Gaethje. His disclosed fight-night weight, however, has ensured that the debate surrounding his methods will continue well beyond UFC 329.
