Who is Paddy Pimblett and why is he so popular online

Paddy Pimblett is a name that is making waves in 2025, not only in the UFC Octagon, but also on social media. The British mixed martial artist, known as “The Baddy,” has become a real internet star. His TikTok and Reels videos collect millions of views, and memes featuring him fly around the web. But who is Paddy Pimblett and why is he so popular? Let’s find out.

The fighter's full name is Patrick Mark Pimblett, and he was born on January 3, 1995, in Liverpool. At the age of 14, he became interested in mixed martial arts (MMA), inspired by the bright fights of the UFC. Already in 2012, he began his professional career, and by 2021 he made his debut in the UFC, the most prestigious MMA league. Today, Paddy competes in the lightweight division and is ranked 8th in the official UFC rankings.

Paddy began performing in the UFC on September 4, 2021, in the lightweight category. Before that, he managed to become the former Full Contact Contender and Cage Warriors featherweight champion. At the moment, the Briton ranks 8th in the official UFC lightweight rankings.

He is often referred to as Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett, a nickname given to him by his trainer in his youth. He has previously held the FFC featherweight and Cage Warriors titles and was also a contender for the 70kg belt in the same organisation.

In 2023, his talent was officially recognized when he was named BT Sport's Most Popular Fighter of the Year. This recognition came long before his internet fame, which speaks volumes about his charisma and ability to attract the public's attention. Paddy has been compared to another UFC star, Conor McGregor, who also competed in Cage Warriors. The fighter has 25 wins and only 3 losses in his career. But Pimblett is more than just a talented fighter. His success is a combination of charisma, outrageousness and the ability to connect with the audience.

Paddy Pimblett is not only an athlete, but also a real showman. His bright behavior in and outside the octagon attracts attention. After victories, he can put on a real show: from bold statements to touching speeches. Patrick stands out from other athletes with his charisma and unusual emotionality. It is thanks to these qualities that Pimblett became known even to those who are far from sports.

His looks also play a role. His signature bowl cut, reminiscent of the Beatles, makes Paddy instantly recognizable. He consciously refuses tattoos so that young fans can identify with him. Paddy also likes to shock the public: in the off-season, he can gain up to 20 kg, and then quickly get back into shape before a fight. This causes heated discussions online.

Paddy's real explosion in popularity happened thanks to a viral video of him singing Basement Jaxx's Where's Your Head At before a fight. His obsessive gaze and energetic manner made the video perfect for memes. Users began creating edits where Paddy became a symbol of rage and aggression. In a couple of weeks, he turned into an internet phenomenon.

Paddy actively maintains his popularity on social media. He shares workouts, jokes and thoughts about life. His Instagram and TikTok accounts are a mix of sports content and personal stories. He talks about mental health, autism and other social topics, which makes him not just a fighter, but a person close to the audience.

Paddy Pimblett is not only a fighter, but also a family man. Paddy Pimblett is married to Laura Gregory, with whom he began a relationship in his youth. The couple got married in 2023, and a year later they had twin daughters: Betsy and Margot. At home, "Bad Boy" does not live up to his nickname - he is a good husband and a loving father. The athlete is involved in charity. His foundation, The Baddy Foundation, helps people with mental illnesses and starving children.

Despite his star status, Paddy remains loyal to his hometown of Liverpool. He is an avid Liverpool Football Club fan and often attends matches. This connection to his hometown makes him a folk hero. His fans appreciate not only the fights, but also the respectful attitude towards his opponents. For example, after defeating Tony Ferguson at UFC 296, Paddy called him a legend. This mixture of cockiness and respect sets him apart from other fighters.

But that's not all. The fans also love the "bad guy" for his intelligence. Patrick loves to talk about important topics, and he's pretty good at it. The athlete's "hobbyhorse" can be considered the topic of toxic ideas about masculinity, which he actively opposes.

For example, after one of his fights, he dedicated the victory to a friend who suffered from mental disorders and encouraged men to speak openly about their problems. This sincere approach touched the hearts of many. Pimblett's friend passed away due to a mental disorder and the fighter dedicated one of his fights to him. Before the performance, Pimblett said:

His short but powerful speech moved many to tears. Paddy Pimblett became even more respected and is considered one of the few fighters with a "human face".

Paddy Pimblett is not just a fighter, but a phenomenon: charisma, honesty, self-irony and willingness to talk about important things made him a favorite of the public all over the world. And what do you think, should an athlete go beyond the sport and become a voice for social problems, or is this already unnecessary?