British UFC star Paddy Pimblett is one of the sport’s more entertaining stars. He doesn’t hold back from trying to have fun both in and out of the Octagon. Though he had fun while scoring an impressive victory over Jordan Leavitt at UFC London on Saturday, that partially masked some heavy pain that Pimblett carried into the Octagon with him.
Following his win over Leavitt, Pimblett told interviewer Michael Bisping and the London crowd that he was dedicating the victory to a close friend that had committed suicide. Pimblett said he only learned of his friend’s demise a few hours prior to Friday’s weigh-in.
Tears welling in his eyes, Pimblett pleaded with anyone listening – particularly men that feel the stigma of appearing vulnerable – that if they were feeling the grasp of suicide to please reach out.
“If you’ve got weight on your shoulders and you think the only way you can solve it is by killing yourself, please talk to someone. Speak to anyone. People would rather… I know I would rather me mate cry on me shoulder than go to his funeral next week. So please, let’s get rid of this stigma and men start talking.”
Paddy Pimblett finished Jordan Leavitt with a tight RNC (Video)
Paddy Pimblett dedicates UFC London win to friend who committed suicide
(Video courtesy of UFC)
Emotional Paddy Pimblett dedicates victory to friend who committed suicide
