UFC Fight Night 208 in the 02 Arena in London, England featured an up-and-coming star in the MMA world, with Barstool Sports-sponsored fighter Paddy Pimblett coming up with a huge victory in his home country against fellow lightweight Jordan Leavitt.
Pimblett got the second-round submission via rear-naked choke, which got a huge reaction from the fans in the arena.
That submission was TIGHT. The teabag was better. pic.twitter.com/onQrkYle6f
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) July 23, 2022
After the victory, he instantly rushed over to celebrate with Barstool Sports owner Dave Portnoy, who was in attendance for the event.
PADDY THE BADDY HAS DONE IT. CLEAN SWEEP FOR BARSTOOL SPORTS. pic.twitter.com/CoFmBkRv5D
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) July 23, 2022
As impressive as the performance was for Pimblett, his touching post-fight interview provided a heartwarming moment for fans that have dealt with a specific loss in their life.
Pimblett revealed during the interview that before he weighed for the fight, he received a message that one of his close friends had committed suicide on Friday.
“Friday morning I woke up to a message at 4 A.M. that one of my friends back home had killed himself,” said Pimblett. “So Ricky lad, that is for you.”
He was clearly affected by this and relayed a message to the fans about anyone dealing with mental health issues, telling them to break the stigma that men can’t discuss their mental health issues.
“There is a stigma in this world that men can’t talk. If you are a man and have weight on your shoulders and you think that the only way that you can solve it is by killing yourself, please speak to someone, speak to anyone. I’d rather my mate cry on my shoulder than go to his funeral next week.”
"I'd rather me mate cry on me shoulder than go to his funeral next week."
A huge win for Paddy, but even better message. #UFCLondon
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) July 23, 2022
It is certainly an awesome message from the budding star in the UFC, and many around the mixed martial arts world are praising him for discussing such an important topic.
That message from Paddy Pimblett after his win tonight ❤️👏 That’s the power of sport. Millions watching, sending a moving message telling men that speaking up is no shame. Mental health matters.
"I'd rather me mate cry on me shoulder than go to his funeral next week."
— Dean Leak (@djlpsych) July 23, 2022
Wow powerful message from Paddy https://t.co/UZAXg52toh
— Cons (@CaptainCons) July 23, 2022
Paddy Pimblett wins and then delivers a beautiful message about mental health pic.twitter.com/zbMR4W2Cx8
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 23, 2022
Paddy Pimblett with an emotional message after his win. Mental health awareness is something we should strive to be better at.
“I know I’d rather my mate cry on my shoulder than go to his funeral next week” pic.twitter.com/wnZDlgnt6l
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) July 23, 2022
It was a beautiful message from Pimblett, who appears to have a Conor McGregor-esque charisma to him, and it was the icing on top of his terrific victory on Saturday afternoon.
