Paddy Pimblett has said vaping helped him manage his weight and control his food cravings after a viral video circulated in the build-up to his interim lightweight title fight with Justin Gaethje.
Footage emerged last week showing the Liverpool fighter taking a puff on a vape during a training break while speaking to Tom Aspinall. The clip spread rapidly online, with some fans questioning his professionalism just days before the biggest fight of his career.
Keeping weight in check
Pimblett later addressed the reaction, saying vapes had played a key role in keeping his diet in check during camp.
“It really does, it helps you not eat. CBD vape.. My weight is perfect right now. It’s the lowest I’ve ever been at this stage.. Could be the vape,” he told Jon-Bernard Kairouz. Pimblett’s comments reflect his personal experience, with limited scientific evidence around CBD and appetite control.
Known for dramatic weight fluctuations between fights, Pimblett had spoken openly about sacrificing his usual post-fight indulgences, including missing out on his traditional Christmas cheeseboard, in order to stay on track.
Online, some supporters backed the 31-year-old, while others questioned whether vaping could affect his conditioning.
One fan wrote: “Annnnnnd my bets changed.” Another added: “Paddy vaping and eating so unhealthy when he’s not in fight camp. Will take a toll on him later on in his career.”
Others were more dismissive. MMA fighter Leah McCourt said: “Lol most fighters I know do. And world champion boxers.”
Fight build-up and confidence
Despite the noise, Pimblett remained confident going into fight week, predicting he would stop Gaethje and move closer to a shot at undisputed champion Ilia Topuria.
“I think I finish him wherever the fight goes to be honest,” he told MMA Guru. “I have got a feeling I am going to knock him out to be honest.”
Decision defeat in Las Vegas
However, those predictions did not materialise in Las Vegas.Pimblett suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Gaethje over five punishing rounds at T-Mobile Arena, missing out on the interim lightweight title. Both fighters were bloodied in a high-tempo contest, but the judges awarded the American victory on all three scorecards.
Gaethje praised his opponent’s toughness after the fight. “Paddy is right, Scousers do not get knocked out,” he said. “I knew I had to put him on his back foot, he is very dangerous and has great timing. I had to steal his momentum and confidence.”
The win secured Gaethje’s second reign as interim champion and set up a future clash with Topuria once the champion returns from his hiatus.
Pimblett’s response and next steps
Pimblett accepted the defeat with composure, applauding Gaethje as the scores were announced. “I wanted to be walking away with that belt. I know how tough I am and I don’t need to prove that to anyone,” he said. “I think 48-47 was a fair scorecard.”
He also reflected on the learning curve ahead. “You live and you learn. I’m 31, I will be back better.”
In his post-fight interview, Pimblett again used his platform to highlight mental health issues among men. “Men, speak up, don’t bottle your feelings up,” he said.
