“It’s just believing in yourself.” Ever since he stepped into the UFC Octagon, Paddy Pimblett has not just seen a 23-3 amazing record and a great fandom behind him but also the dark side of popularity– controversial moments. Back in 2022, his UFC 282 bout against Jared Gordon turned out to be one. The Baddy won by a close decision despite being a heavy favorite. Still, when Joe Rogan asked him post-fight if it was “a close one,” he simply replied, “No, it wasn’t.” Certainly, he didn’t learn from it.

Already, the scouser is making headlines for feuds with Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan. The Armenian even urged “You’ve got to delete (Pimblett) from the rankings. He doesn’t even deserve to be in the top 10.” You see, Pimblett is currently on an undefeated streak with victories over Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler. However, for Tsarukyan, Chandler had 3 straight losses, Bobby Green had “three or four” losses, and Ferguson had eight losses. So, the English fighter gaining traction, for him, “That’s crazy.” Clearly, Pimblett is still shrugged off by the division as someone unworthy.

In fact, for months now, there have been rumors that Justin Gaethje was being booked by the UFC against Pimblett. This is despite Tsarukyan keeping an eye on him and showing interest, believing “it makes sense.” However, The Highlight straight out denied the fight, stating that he doesn’t have any interest in fighting with Pimblett. So that’s where it comes again, the self-belief that is usually taken as ego. Just that this time, his most recent post broke the internet for a reason he didn’t even fathom was possible.

Receiving criticism from the entire lightweight division, Paddy Pimblett took to his Instagram handle and shared a quote by Johnny Depp. The quote read, “One day, the people that didn’t believe in you will tell everyone how they met you.” Attached with the post was his simple caption that read, “@johnnydepp speaking nothing but facts.”

You see, after that 2022 bout and a clash with MMA journalist Ariel Helwani in December 2022, Pimblett was clear about his stance. He had straight out stated, “I always say to people, especially if you’re fighting, if you believe in yourself 99% and have 1% of doubt, the other person who’s not as good as you, that believes in themselves 100% will beat you. That’s just the way it is. Technique and talent obviously matter. But the person with the mentality and heart wins.”

And that’s exactly what this post was also supposed to mean. This was supposed to be a motivational post. However, the MMA community was in panic. Why? Well, because they thought Johnny Depp was no more.

Paddy Pimblett sends the MMA community into frenzy through his innocent gesture

It all started when a fan took to the comment section to quote, “Rip.” This simple comment caught the attention of a number of fans who were afraid they had lost their beloved Captain Jack Sparrow. Following the RIP comment, one of the sensible fans asked, “Why RIP LOL.” Of course, it was a confusing comment that started a domino effect. Maybe it was the black-and-white editing of the photo we usually relate with death posts. Maybe it was him sharing it. Whatever the reason was, it didn’t stop others to continue on the same track.

Reacting to the same comment, one social media user expressed genuine fear, writing, “Don’t scare me, man.” One of the curious fans even asked, “Did Depp die?” Well, rest assured, Depp is fit and fine. But looking at the post, one certainly believes for once that the worst has happened to Depp.

Another social media user came forward to say RIP to Depp, “Rip Johnny Depp.” Another reason why people are sending RIP messages might be another cruel trick. Already, not many like the Liverpool-born fighter. And maybe with the comment, they’re trying to say that Pimblett has lied, and the actor will have to suffer the consequences. However, not everything was against him and Depp.

A fan finally got the message and said good things about Pimblett, “World Champion in 2026 without a doubt!” He definitely has the skillset and the confidence one needs in the Octagon, and with love from his fans and family, who knows, maybe he will win more and perhaps the title.

Still, an innocent post escalated from 0 to 100 pretty quickly. However, Paddy Pimblett’s only intention was to prove that he has what it takes to become a star in the lightweight division. And as he continues to fight under the UFC banner, he keeps proving why he’s one of the best.