UFC sensation Paddy Pimblett is leading an initiative to enhance mental well-being using mixed martial arts.
Pimblett, poised for a lightweight championship opportunity next year, has been a vocal supporter of mental health causes. After 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. This foundation aims to address food scarcity issues and combat the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
In addition to his foundation work, Pimblett will act as a representative for UFC’s collaboration with OnSide. This collaboration will feature weekly discussions for young individuals led by experienced mentors. The sessions are tailored to foster self-discipline, self-defense skills, confidence, coordination, and mental strength in a secure and encouraging setting.
Reflecting on his roots in Liverpool and his journey to the UFC stage, Pimblett expressed his pride in supporting the program. He emphasized the opportunities martial arts provided him in opening unforeseen doors and now hopes to inspire young people in Wirral to pursue their passions and realize their potential.
CEO of OnSide, Jamie Masraff, highlighted the positive impact of the partnership with UFC. Youngsters at several Youth Zones are already benefitting from martial arts sessions, and now, The Hive will host support groups focusing on mental well-being. These gatherings aim to provide a platform for open dialogue, confidence building, resilience strengthening, and fostering a sense of belonging among youth.
In a candid moment with The Times, Pimblett shared his views on the importance of men seeking help for mental health struggles. He emphasized the necessity of breaking the societal notion that men should remain silent about their burdens and encouraged individuals to reach out for support rather than resorting to drastic measures.
For more information about OnSide, please visit www.onsideyouthzones.org.
