Paddy Pimblett nearly withdrew from UFC 304 due to mental health issues

UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett has opened up on his struggle with his mental health in the build up to UFC 304 - as he admitted his coach asked him if he wanted to pull out. The lightweight star is putting in his final preparations before his latest foray into the octagon against American ace Bobby Green.

The man known to fans as 'The Baddy' last fought back in December as he dispatched of Tony Ferguson to stretch his unbeaten run to a seventh outing. That win came via a unanimous decision, with this victory coming a year after he defeated Jared Gordon in Las Vegas.

Now, the 29-year-old is gearing up to face off against Green, with the Californian looking to continue his momentum after he avenged a loss against Jalin Turner by beating Jim Miller in April. However, Pimblett has now acknowledged that he has found training camp difficult in the build-up to the contest on July 28.

In a brave tell-all interview, the Scouser was open about his mental health struggles during his preparations for his next fight, which will take place at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena. Giving an honest account of his recent issues, Pimblett told Sky Sports: "About five or six weeks ago my coach was thinking about pulling me out. Mentally I just wasn't there.

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'I'm in the shape of my life, and I'm peaking just at the right time. Everything feels absolutely brilliant in camp," he insisted, before revealing his recent struggles. "It's mad because five weeks ago I was thinking: 'This is the worst camp of my life, what's going on here?'

"A few things went wrong, and even a couple of weeks ago a few things personally were getting me down. A bit of depression. But I've got that attitude and that positivity that I can turn it around. You know my confidence, so when my coach talked about pulling me out, I was like: 'No chance'."

Back in 2022, the Liverpudlian was roundly praised for his inspriational speech at UFC London as he urged men to speak about their issues. Addressing the crowd, he asserted: "People would rather... I know I would rather have my mate cry on my shoulder than go to his funeral next week. So please, let's get rid of this stigma. Men, start talking."

Speaking about this moment two years on, Pimblett reflected: "When I mentioned this two years ago, there was a surge in calls to the Samaritans and people speaking up. Lately, there's a lad in Liverpool, who wasn't my mate but I'd met him before - he killed himself about six weeks ago.

'Just before I started camp about three months ago, another young MMA fighter who is from the north, he killed himself and he's younger than me, he said, in a heartbreaking account of the issues faced by young men. "It's becoming an epidemic again. I'd rather people talk than take their own life."

Outside of the octagon, the fighter's life has changed considerably this year, with the popular star having become a father for the first time in April. Welcoming daughters Betsy and Margot, he took to social media to reveal his pride, saying: "The day our lives changed forever [heart emoji] all worth it for yous 2 perfect little girls."

For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.