LDL. Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett Sparks Controversy After Announcing Boycott of UFC Pride Night. LDL
LONDON — Just minutes after posting on Instagram, UFC fighter Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett has ignited fierce debate by declaring he will boycott the upcoming UFC Pride Night scheduled for November 15 at Madison Square Garden.
The 30-year-old Scouser wrote, “This sport should focus entirely on performance inside the Octagon, not on political issues or social movements.” The post, uploaded shortly after a training session at Next Generation MMA, has already gone viral, amassing tens of thousands of comments and dividing fans across social media.
Pride Night, an annual event introduced to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, features rainbow-themed Octagons and donates proceeds to GLAAD. The initiative has received public support from fellow UFC fighters including Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan.
Pimblett, currently ranked seventh in the lightweight division, made it clear he would not participate. In a follow-up video message, he elaborated:
“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 has been swift and polarising. Supporters have praised Pimblett for his “honesty” and refusal to “conform to pressure,” while critics have accused him of being insensitive and divisive.
As the controversy grows, the UFC has not yet issued an official response. Insiders suggest the organization may address the matter ahead of the event, which has been promoted as a celebration of “unity through competition.”
For now, Pimblett remains unapologetic — proving once again that he is as comfortable stirring debate outside the cage as he is fighting inside it.
