UFC 329 results: Paddy Pimblett stunningly puts Benoît Saint Denis to sleep in 52 seconds
Paddy Pimblett made a significant statement at UFC 329, achieving a swift submission victory over Benoît Saint Denis. The fight concluded in just 52 seconds of the first round, with Pimblett applying a D’Arce choke that rendered Saint Denis unconscious. This performance marked Pimblett’s return to the octagon after a previous loss and positioned him as a notable contender in the lightweight division.
The D’Arce choke executed by Pimblett was recorded as the second-fastest D’Arce choke submission in UFC history, narrowly behind Kyle Daukaus’ record of 50 seconds. Following his win, Pimblett expressed confidence, stating, “Sub of the year, b****es. I knew he was out. My man was face-down eating canvas.” He also challenged other prominent fighters, including Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje, Conor McGregor, and Max Holloway, indicating his readiness to face any opponent.
A Resounding Return to Form
Pimblett’s victory was particularly impactful as it followed his first loss since 2018, which occurred in January against now-UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. In that bout, Pimblett was defeated across five rounds while competing for the interim belt and a shot at Ilia Topuria. That prior performance had led some to question his standing among elite fighters, especially when considering the calibre of opposition during his previous nine-fight win streak.
His dominant win at UFC 329 served as a cathartic moment for Pimblett, who addressed the criticism directly. “Everyone said I was finished because I got beat by Gaethje,” Pimblett remarked. “What now? Am I finished? Who wants it next?” This performance not only silenced doubters but also garnered him a “Performance Of The Night” bonus, recognizing his impressive showing.
The fight began with Saint Denis attempting a high kick and then a takedown just nine seconds into the round. Pimblett quickly countered with a guillotine attempt. As the fighters grappled, Pimblett secured Saint Denis’s head in a vulnerable position, from which he could not escape, leading to the D’Arce choke submission. This marked his 10th win in his last 11 appearances.
Impact on the Lightweight Division
Pimblett’s decisive win has significantly bolstered his momentum and placed him in a strong position within the lightweight division. The victory is considered the biggest of his career, potentially lining him up for another major opportunity. His performance at UFC 329 was a highlight on a card that also featured the return of Conor McGregor in a rematch against Max Holloway in the main event.
The event, UFC 329, provided several memorable moments and saw various contenders strengthen their positions in the rankings. Other notable performances included King Green’s comeback victory over Terrance McKinney, which also earned a “Performance Of The Night” bonus. Green stopped McKinney in the final second of the opening round after McKinney had controlled much of the early fight. Green’s win marked his fourth consecutive victory.
Additionally, the “Fight Of The Night” honours went to Brandon Royval and Lone’er Kavanagh for their fast-paced, back-and-forth battle. Royval secured a submission victory with a rear-naked choke late in the fight, showcasing the excitement often delivered by the flyweight division. These bouts contributed to a night filled with impressive displays of combat sports.
Pimblett concluded his post-fight interview by singing a tribute to late Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother Andres.
The swiftness and dominance of Pimblett’s submission victory have generated considerable discussion among fans and pundits, with many recognizing his legitimate status as a lightweight title contender. His ability to finish the fight in under a minute against Saint Denis, who had sought an early takedown, underscored his grappling prowess and strategic execution.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
