UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett is taking the lead in promoting mental health awareness through mixed martial arts.
Pimblett, who is gearing up for a lightweight title opportunity next year, has been a vocal supporter of mental health causes. Following his victory over Jordan Leavitt in London in 2022, where he dedicated his win to a friend lost to suicide, Pimblett established The Baddy Foundation. The foundation aims to address food insecurity issues and combat the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
In addition to his advocacy work, Pimblett will be serving as a representative for UFC’s collaboration with OnSide, offering weekly discussions for young individuals. These sessions, facilitated by experienced instructors, focus on fostering self-discipline, self-defense skills, confidence, coordination, and mental strength within a nurturing environment.
Expressing his gratitude for his Liverpool roots and his UFC journey, Pimblett emphasized the transformative power of martial arts in his life. He voiced his support for the program, highlighting its potential to help youths in Wirral discover their passions, enhance confidence, and realize their aspirations.
OnSide CEO Jamie Masraff commended the positive impact of the partnership with UFC, noting the valuable martial arts sessions already benefiting youth at three Youth Zones. The collaboration now extends to The Hive, introducing new well-being support groups aligned with UFC’s commitment to mental health support for young people. These groups provide a platform for open discussions, confidence-building, resilience strengthening, and fostering a sense of belonging among participants.
Reflecting on his personal challenges, Pimblett emphasized the importance of breaking the silence around men’s mental health issues. He encouraged men struggling with burdens to seek help and speak up, underscoring the significance of reaching out for support over suffering in silence.
For more information about OnSide, visit www.onsideyouthzones.org/.