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Paddy Pimblett Submits Benoit Saint‑Denis in 52 Seconds at UFC 329

A rapid D'arce choke that ended Saint‑Denis's finishing streak now positions Pimblett as a leading lightweight title contender.

Overview

  • Pimblett won by submission (D'arce choke) at 0:52 of round one, with referee Marc Goddard stopping the fight after Saint‑Denis was rendered unconscious on Saturday.
  • The finish began when Saint‑Denis shot for a takedown, Pimblett caught a guillotine and rolled into a D'arce choke that tightened as the pair hit the canvas.
  • The win gives Pimblett a decisive rebound from his January loss to Justin Gaethje and strengthens his public claim for a lightweight title shot.
  • In the immediate post‑fight interview Pimblett called out top names including Gaethje, Ilia Topuria, Conor McGregor and Max Holloway and said he had considered retiring during camp if he lost.
  • The UFC must now rework lightweight matchmaking with Pimblett back in the mix, creating immediate possibilities for a rematch with Gaethje or a high‑profile fight with Topuria that could reshape the division.