Paddy Pimblett calls Conor McGregor ‘finished’ after spectacular victory
Paddy Pimblett has declared that Conor McGregor is “finished” and expressed his desire to become the “face of (the UFC)”, reports BritPanorama.
The British fighter delivered a stunning performance, defeating Benoit Saint-Denis in just 52 seconds at UFC 329 with a decisive D’Arce choke.
In stark contrast, McGregor’s evening ended in disappointment. During his bout against Max Holloway, he suffered a knee injury while attempting a roundhouse kick, leading to a TKO defeat in the first round.
Pimblett conveyed his shock at McGregor’s quick exit from the fight, exclaiming, “Oh my god, McGregor’s done already,” before turning his focus to his own victory.
“Well, he’s finished. The new boy is in town. The main man’s here. Know what I mean? I can become the face of the organisation now,” he added.
Pimblett’s victory over Saint-Denis marked a significant return after experiencing a defeat against interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje earlier this year. The fight began with Saint-Denis attempting a high kick within seconds, followed by a takedown effort, but Pimblett countered effectively. He quickly transitioned from a guillotine to a tight D’Arce choke as Saint-Denis fell to his knees.
Despite refusing to tap out, Saint-Denis lost consciousness, prompting referee Marc Goddard to step in and halt the contest.
Pimblett remarked on the finish, stating, “I knew he was out. My man was face down eating canvas. 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.”
The victory significantly bolstered Pimblett’s standing in the division and dispelled doubts following his earlier loss, raising his professional record to 24 wins from 28 bouts, with seven victories achieved by submission.
In his post-fight fervor, he called out other fighters in the lightweight category, confidently asserting, “I’ll beat Ilia (Topuria) up, I’ll rematch Justin, I’ll fight Conor or Max. Give me anyone, and I’ll punch their head in.”
Pimblett’s performance not only showcased his readiness to compete at the highest level but also underscored the shifting dynamics within the UFC, as a new generation of fighters vies for prominence amid the fading legacy of icons like McGregor. In a sport where fleeting fortunes are common, Pimblett’s resilience and ambition signal a continuing evolution in mixed martial arts.
