"Speak up" - Paddy Pimblett's custom mouthguard has a special message for men across the globe
Paddy Pimblett wants to make the most out of his first UFC pay-per-view (PPV) appearance against Jared Gordon this weekend at UFC 282. The UK MMA sensation wants to continue his battle to destigmatize traditional ideas of masculinity that have resulted in profound consequences.
Earlier this year, Paddy Pimblett improved to 3-0 in the world's premier mixed martial arts organization with a second-round submission victory over Jordan Leavitt at UFC London at the O2 Arena. In the post-fight interview, Pimblett spoke candidly about his friend Ricky, who had committed suicide shortly before the fight.
"I know I'd rather they cry on my shoulder than go to his funeral next week. ... Let's get rid of this stigma and men start talking."
Paddy Pimblett on men's mental health after his @ufc win today. He found out Friday that his friend had killed himself.
https://t.co/ZpdnmQ2fU9
At UFC 282, Pimblett will carry on with his efforts to eradicate men's mental health-related discrimination, which he says prevents many from seeking help when they need it.
'The Baddy' will be wearing a special mouthpiece in his upcoming fight that has been specially designed by New Zealand-based company Fight Faces Custom Mouthguards.
The custom-fitting mouthguard leader from New Zealand posted an image of the essential fight equipment in an Instagram post and captioned it:
"From New Zealand to Liverpool to Las Vegas these guards are ready It’s fight week for @theufcbaddy , done a few guards for paddy and each guard has an important message, best of luck for the fight this weekend at ufc 282"
Check out Pimblett's custom designed mouthguard below:
Paddy Pimblett's fan thanks the UFC star for saving his life
After beating Jordan Leavitt at UFC London, Paddy Pimblett gave an impassioned speech in which he encouraged men to talk about their struggles with mental health.
'The Baddy' dedicated his victory to Baby Lee Hodgson, who passed away at the tender age of four, and spoke about a friend who committed suicide just days before the fight.
The speech resonated with fans worldwide as they took notice of Paddy Pimblett's 'The Baddy Foundation', which plans on eradicating food insecurity and combatting the stigma around men’s mental health.
In a recent video that surfaced on the internet, a fan of Pimblett was seen voicing his appreciation for the Liverpool native's efforts, claiming that the speech changed his life:
"Paddy I want to tell you that your video about the suicide thing saved my life, that's why I'm still here. I have gone through a rough year and I was very suicidal. Paddy's message when he was in the ring after he won talking about his buddy who passed away, saved my life. I just wanted to say thank you to him, I appreciate him very much and I'm so glad to meet him."
Paddy Pimblett was touched by the message and revealed that moments like these "mean more than any fight ever will."
Check out the video below: