Just minutes after hitting “post” on Instagram, UFC fighter Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett ignited a fierce online storm by announcing his refusal to take part in the upcoming UFC Pride Night on November 15 at Madison Square Garden.
The 30-year-old Liverpudlian wrote:
“This sport should focus entirely on performance inside the Octagon, not on political issues or social movements.”
His message — shared after a training session at Next Generation MMA — has drawn massive attention and split the MMA community.
Pride Night, created to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with rainbow-themed Octagons and proceeds benefiting GLAAD, has been endorsed by several fighters including Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan. But Pimblett, ranked seventh in the lightweight division, made it clear he won’t join them.
In a follow-up video, the outspoken Brit doubled down:
“I’ve got mates from all walks — gay, straight, whatever. I love ’em all. But strapping a rainbow on my shorts or waving flags? Nah, that’s not me. We’re here to scrap, not signal virtue. If that makes me the villain, so be it.”
The reaction online has been explosive. Supporters applauded Pimblett for “keeping sports politics-free,” while critics accused him of being divisive and tone-deaf.
As calls grow for the UFC to issue an official response, Pimblett remains unapologetic — once again proving he’s as controversial outside the cage as he is fearless inside it.
