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

Overview

• Pimblett ended the co‑main at UFC 329 with a D’Arce choke that finished Benoît Saint‑Denis 52 seconds into the first round.
• The victory pushed Pimblett to a career‑high No. 5 in the UFC Meta lightweight rankings and dropped Saint‑Denis to No. 8.
• Pimblett said he had considered retiring if he lost and has publicly called for a rematch with lightweight champion Justin Gaethje as he renews his title push.
• Saint‑Denis posted an apology on X, accepted responsibility for the loss, and vowed to learn and come back stronger.
• Conor McGregor’s early knee injury on the same card adds uncertainty at the top of the promotion and increases pressure on the UFC to reshuffle matchmaking in the lightweight division.