Paddy Pimblett’s Record‑Breaking Win Stuns UFC 329 and Sets Up Title Shots

Dramatic Submission of Benoit Saint‑Denis

Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett turned the UFC 329 main‑card hype into pure drama by submitting Benoit Saint‑Denis in just 52 seconds. The Liverpudlian star locked in a D’arce choke, sending the French fighter unconscious and forcing the referee to intervene. This swift victory erases the bitter memory of his interim‑title loss to Justin Gaethje only months earlier, delivering a decisive rebound. The finish has already been hailed as one of the year’s most spectacular choke finishes.

Post‑Fight Call‑out to Conor McGregor

After the choke, Pimblett stepped into the cage for his interview with Joe Rogan and unleashed a series of bold boasts. “Sub of the year, bitches,” he declared, emphasizing that Saint‑Denis was truly out. He then listed his nextDesired opponents: Ilia Topuria, a rematch with Gaethje, and the much‑talked‑about matches against Conor McGregor or Max Holloway. “I don’t give a f***,” he added, pledging to “punch their head in” for UFC fans.

McGregor’s Five‑Year Comeback Against Holloway

While Pimblett was making his statement, Conor McGregor returned to the Octagon after a five‑year layoff, facing Max Holloway in a rematch. The bout marked Holloway’s third fight in UFC history and McGregor’s first fight in over 1,800 days. Their original contest was held 13 years earlier, making this a long‑awaited clash of titans.

Tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva

Beyond the fight, Pimblett honored former Liverpool striker Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva on the first anniversary of their tragic car‑crash deaths. He sang Jota’s “Number 20” chant and invited fans in the arena to join the tribute. The moment underscored the deep connection between the fighter and the city’s football heritage, creating a poignant pause amid the competition.

What It Means for Pimblett’s Future

The shut‑out finish cements Pimblett’s status as a rising contender in the featherweight division and bolsters his claim to a title shot. With his confidence soaring, the UFC will be watching closely as he targets top‑ranked fighters like Ilia Topuria and potential rematches with Gaethje. Should he capture a belt, he could become the first British fighter in years to dominate both sides of the octagon – on the ground and in the promotional arena.