UFC lightweight star Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett is at the center of a massive controversy following reports that the UFC has launched an investigation into his alleged use of Ozempic, a diabetes drug often used off-label for rapid weight loss, to make weight for his recent fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 314. The bombshell revelation, first reported on X by @CovMMACentel on April 9, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the MMA community, with fans, fighters, and experts divided over the implications of this potential scandal.
Pimblett, known for his extreme weight fluctuations, has long been a polarizing figure in the UFC due to his dramatic transformations. The 30-year-old Brit often balloons up to 200 pounds or more between fights, only to cut down to the lightweight limit of 156 pounds during fight camp—a process that has drawn both admiration and criticism. At UFC 314, held on April 12, 2025, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Pimblett stunned the world by knocking out Michael Chandler in just 30 seconds, a victory that propelled him into the top 10 of the lightweight division. However, whispers of foul play began circulating almost immediately after the fight, with some questioning how Pimblett managed to look so shredded after reportedly struggling with his weight cut.
According to a post on X, the UFC is investigating whether Pimblett used Ozempic to achieve his dramatic weight loss for the fight, a move that could violate the organization’s anti-doping policies if proven true. Ozempic, a medication primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes, has gained notoriety in recent years for its off-label use in rapid weight loss, raising concerns about its safety and fairness in competitive sports. “🚨Breaking: Paddy Pimblett is reportedly under investigation by the UFC for alleged use of Ozempic,” the post stated, citing sources close to the situation.
The allegations have reignited debates about Pimblett’s weight-cutting practices, which have been a topic of contention throughout his career. In a 2022 interview with BBC Sport, Pimblett admitted to unhealthy weight cuts early in his career, including an incident where he vomited in the cage after a fight due to extreme dehydration. “I was a stupid idiot when I was younger. I didn’t mature until I was 24, 25,” he said at the time. More recently, dieticians expressed concern after Pimblett gained 40 pounds in just two weeks following his UFC 304 win over King Green, with some warning that his extreme binge eating could shorten his career.
Critics have long argued that Pimblett’s yo-yo dieting is unsustainable and dangerous. Former bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw once commented, “That’s like a recipe for destroying your body. If you keep that same work ethic that he has now, he’ll never be a champion.” [Ref web:1] Now, with the Ozempic allegations, some are questioning whether Pimblett turned to the drug as a shortcut to make weight without the grueling process he’s known for. “If these allegations are true, it’s a disgrace to the sport,” said former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen on his YouTube channel. “Paddy has always bragged about his ability to cut weight naturally, but this would show he’s been cutting corners.”
Pimblett, however, has vehemently denied the accusations. In a fiery Instagram Live session on April 11, 2025, just hours before his fight with Chandler, he addressed the rumors head-on. “This is absolute nonsense,” Pimblett fumed, showing off his physique to the camera. “I’ve been cutting weight the same way for years—hard work, discipline, and a bit of suffering. I don’t need some bloody drug to make weight. All these haters can sod off!” He also pointed to his past success in making weight, noting that he’s never missed the lightweight limit in his UFC career, even when cutting up to 50 pounds in a matter of months.
The UFC has yet to release an official statement on the investigation, but sources close to the organization say they are taking the allegations seriously. If found guilty, Pimblett could face a suspension, a fine, or even the overturning of his recent victory over Chandler—a result that would be a devastating blow to his career. “The UFC has a zero-tolerance policy for performance-enhancing drugs, and if Ozempic is being used to gain a competitive advantage, that’s a clear violation,” said a spokesperson for the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) in an interview with MMA Junkie.
The MMA community is split on the issue. Some fans on X have rallied behind Pimblett, arguing that the accusations are baseless and motivated by jealousy over his rapid rise. “Paddy has always been open about his weight cuts—he’s a beast for even making 156 pounds,” one user wrote. Others, however, are less forgiving. “If he’s using Ozempic, that’s cheating, plain and simple. He needs to be banned,” another user commented. Meanwhile, Michael Chandler, who suffered the brutal knockout loss to Pimblett, has remained silent on the matter, though sources say he is “furious” and considering an appeal if the allegations are substantiated.
Pimblett’s history of extreme weight cuts adds fuel to the fire. In a 2022 vlog, he explained his method, which involves a calorie deficit and intense training, often dropping from 205 pounds to 156 pounds in just a few months. “There’s no rocket science to it, it’s not hard. Get yourself in a calorie deficit,” he said at the time. [Ref web:12] But with the pressure of fighting a high-profile opponent like Chandler and the scrutiny of being a ranked fighter, some speculate that Pimblett may have felt compelled to take drastic measures.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on Paddy Pimblett and the UFC. Will “The Baddy” be cleared of wrongdoing, or will this scandal mark a turning point in his career? One thing is certain: this controversy has cast a shadow over his stunning victory at UFC 314, and the MMA world is waiting anxiously for answers. What do you think about these allegations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
