Paddy Pimblett addresses backlash for discussing his mental health before UFC 304 fight against Bobby Green: "I just get told to kill myself"
The buildup to Paddy Pimblett's UFC 304 bout with fellow lightweight trash-talker Bobby Green has been defined by conversations regarding mental health. The Scouser recently took to Instagram, where he shared a pair of screenshots showing the shocking remarks he has received.
Pimblett is open and honest about mental health, having even lost a friend to suicide. Unfortunately, a few fans on social media have taken aim at him for doing so, with one of them even calling on the surging lightweight to take his own life.
Naturally, Pimblett denounced the remarks:
"No wonder men don't speak up. I put my feelings out there and tell men it's okay to talk. I just get told to kill myself and have pictures of scousers dying sent in the reply's. We need to change this mindset"
It's an unfortunate reality that isn't exclusive to Pimblett, who has been one of the few champions of men's mental health in the UFC. Light heavyweight power-puncher Khalil Rountree Jr. also spoke about his own mental health, even becoming a spokesperson and advocate of men's mental health.
Regrettably, he received mockery from former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland, who subsequently revealed his own mental health struggles. It remains a largely unspoken topic in MMA, with Pimblett being one of the louder voices trying to encourage more men to speak up about their struggles.
While many have commended his efforts for doing so, Pimblett still receives negativity from some of the more heartless elements of the internet on social media.
Paddy Pimblett almost withdrew from UFC 304 due to his mental health
Five weeks ago, Paddy Pimblett had reached a mental low point that had him seriously considering a withdrawal from UFC 304, where he faces Bobby Green in a lightweight clash with serious career implications for both men.
Fortunately, guidance from his coach allowed him to improve his mental health.
Now, 'The Baddy' has taken to speaking about his experiences, crediting his coach as a second father who helped turn his struggles into something positive.
Pimblett will hope to further his positive experience by beating Green in front of his compatriots at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England.