Paddy Pimblett returns with a swift victory at UFC 329
Paddy Pimblett silenced his doubters in spectacular fashion at UFC 329, putting Benoit Saint-Denis to sleep in just 52 seconds with a devastating D’Arce choke, reports BritPanorama.
The Liverpool fighter delivered one of the most impressive performances of his career in the co-main event at Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night. This marked Pimblett’s first outing since suffering a unanimous decision defeat to interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje back in January—a loss that had many questioning whether the 31-year-old belonged among the division’s elite.
The contest began with Saint-Denis attempting a high kick just nine seconds in, immediately followed by a takedown attempt. Pimblett responded deftly, sprawl down and transitioning from a guillotine attempt to a tight D’Arce choke as his opponent dropped to his knees. Despite refusing to tap out, Saint-Denis was rendered unconscious, prompting referee Marc Goddard to halt the bout as the Frenchman lay face down on the canvas.
“I knew he was out,” Pimblett said afterwards. “My man was face down eating canvas.” The submission not only marked a decisive victory for Pimblett but also registered as the second-fastest D’Arce choke in UFC history, surpassed only by Kyle Daukaus’s 50-second effort.
Post-fight, Pimblett declared, “Sub of the year. I’m like a spider. When I’ve got hold of you, you don’t get out and it’s as simple as that.” This emphatic win comes as a significant rebound for a fighter previously under significant scrutiny after his defeat to Gaethje. “Everyone counted me out,” Pimblett expressed. “Everyone said I was finished because I lost to Gaethje but what now? Am I finished?”
Eager to reclaim his status, Pimblett wasted no time in calling out top contenders in the lightweight division, stating, “I’ll beat Ilia up, I’ll rematch Justin, I’ll fight Conor or Max. Give me anyone and I’ll punch their head in.” Following the fight, Pimblett took a moment to pay tribute to the late Liverpool and Portugal winger Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident 12 months ago, offering an emotional salute to the footballer.
The win improved Pimblett’s professional record to 24 victories from 28 fights, with seven of those secured by submission. As the dust settles on a night of swift action and celebrity calling outs, it’s clear that in the world of mixed martial arts, the narrative can shift as rapidly as the bouts themselves.
