Paddy Pimblett became a huge pillar for men’s mental health following his most recent outing in London, and his new opponent Jared Gordon wants to help him.
Having battled his own demons and addictions and lost close friends/family, Gordon has the desire to help Pimblett raise awareness of the stigma surrounding men speaking out and asking for help.
The UFC recently announced that everybody’s favourite Scouser, Pimblett, would make his pay-per-view debut in Las Vegas at UFC 282 on Dec. 10.
Although Pimblett loves to go back and forth and create some interest in his fights, Gordon believes the pair can work together and gain interest more positively than throwing verbal insults at each other.
“He preaches for mental health; I preach for mental health,” Gordon said to MMA Junkie.
“I think together we could raise awareness for mental health. He recently lost his friend to suicide. I lost my best friend, who was a pro fighter, as well to suicide a little over a year ago. Literally my best friend. And we share common things in our lives, and I think together we could do something to raise awareness instead of just fighting. But in the meantime, we can just entertain the fans, put on a good fight, make some money, better ourselves, and help other people.”
This by Gordon showcases that men’s mental health is moving in the right direction, with athletes in the limelight shedding light on the topic.
Paddy Pimblett UFC London Post-fight Interview
Pimblett’s heartfelt post-fight interview with Michael Bisping at UFC London went viral and was considered a turning point for males across the globe. The 27-year-old advised people struggling to speak out and promised they were all in this together.
Having lost his friend to suicide days before set to compete, Pimblett delivered one of the most moving post-fight interviews in UFC history.
“I woke up on Friday morning at 4am to a message that one my friends back home had killed themselves. This was five hours before my weigh-in,” he said.
“So Ricky lad, that’s for you. There’s a stigma in this world that men can’t talk.
“Listen, if you’re a man and you’ve got weight on your shoulders and you think the only way you can solve it is by killing yourself, please speak to someone. Speak to anyone.
“I know I would rather have my mate cry on my shoulder than go to his funeral next week. So please, let’s get rid of this stigma. Men, start talking.”
It had been revealed after Pimblett had made his incredibly touching speech men across the United Kingdom were beginning to feel comfortable speaking about their struggles and attending mental health clubs.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
