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Paddy Pimblett's 52‑Second Submission Reorders UFC Lightweight Contender Map

A quick submission that lifted him to No. 5 forces UFC to decide which top contenders will face him.

Overview

  • Pimblett choked out Benoit Saint‑Denis in 52 seconds at UFC 329 to deliver a decisive rebound from his earlier loss to Justin Gaethje.
  • The win moved him to No. 5 in the UFC lightweight rankings and strengthened his claim to a top‑level matchup.
  • Pimblett has publicly called out top names including Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria, pressing the promotion for a high‑profile next fight.
  • Commentators such as Michael Bisping say Topuria may be unlikely to accept a fight now after suffering a heavy loss to Gaethje and planning time away from the Octagon.
  • Backstage praise from Holloway, viral footage of Pimblett joking with UFC president Dana White, and media comparisons to a breakout star have boosted his marketability and complicated matchmaking choices for the UFC.