This as-told essay is based on a conversation with Paddy Pimblett. It has been edited for length and clarity.
When my wife Laura became pregnant, I immediately said, “We’re having twinsHer mother and my father are both twins. I was right, but it turns out our girls are identical, so there’s no genetic component. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised if we have more twins. Laura says I speak it into existence.
Starting with twins, don’t have them first a childwas probably a good thing. We knew nothing else. There were times when it was very difficult, with night feedings for two. Betsy and Margot turned 2 in April, and now it’s easier because they play together. They are hilarious. Not a day goes by that they don’t put a smile on my face.
I see my father most days
My father taught me how to be a father. He is my hero, and we have always been very close. People assume that the mother is more emotional caring parentbut in my family it’s the father.
Even today, my dad takes me to the gym every morning and picks me up most afternoons. When I’m in the US for fights, I know I can call him at any time, and he’ll get on a plane from our home in England. He has always been there for me, and I want to be that way for my children too.
This career is easier without a family
Sometimes my schedule makes that difficult. For 10 weeks before fighting, I train all dayevery day. My life is incredibly regimented, right down to what I eat. I can’t just enjoy afternoon tea with Laura and the girls.
Even on those days I try to see my daughters as much as possible. I have breakfast I go with them in the morning, because sometimes when I get home from training I’m so tired that I can’t move. Being a fighter is definitely easier when you don’t have a family. Having children is the best thing there is, but they take up so much of your time without you even realizing it.
Paddy Pimblett goes on a trip with his family after his fights. Courtesy of Zuffa, LLC
After each fight, we take a family vacation to make up for the time I missed with them. We have went to Omanthe Maldives and Tenerife. After my next fight we’re going to Spain for eight days.
Success means having a happy, healthy family
For me, there are two sides to success. I want to be one UFC champion. That is the ultimate goal for my career, and I think I will have to fight for another five to six years to achieve that.
On the other hand, you have a happy and healthy family. In the long run that will bring me more happiness than any championship.
My finances have been significantly affected by fighting on the biggest stage in the world. I now have financial freedom. I don’t have to fight anymore if I don’t want to. But I like it: bumping and being hit. I have a goal, and I want to achieve it.
Then I put my feet up. By then I’ll probably have a few more kids and enjoy spending time with them. But I will also teach them how to fight. Whether I have boys or girls, I want them to know how to defend themselves.
