Paddy Pimblett’s Unique Finisher at UFC 329

Rapid Fire Submission

Paddy Pimblett opened his UFC 329 bout at T‑Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with a blinding fast finish. In just 52 seconds, the 24‑year‑old (24‑4 MMA, 8‑1 UFC) turned a high‑tempo scramble into a grotesque neck‑tie lock that left Benoit Saint Denis unconscious. Saint Denis, who carries a 17‑4 MMA record and a UFC mark of 9‑4, tried to shoot in early, bringing the fight to Pimblett’s preferred distance. The suddenness of the finish stunned the crowd and created a new highlight in UFC history.

Naming the New Move

Fans have already started coining a nickname for the bizarre choke, dubbing it “The Padlock” because of its tight, clamp‑like feel. Pimblett himself took to Instagram to give the submission a more playful label, calling it “The Pad‑Tie👔😉.” The post sparked a flood of comments and memes, with many wondering if the name sticks.

How It Works

The finish began with Pimblett securing a guillotine choke, forcing Saint Denis to collapse. He smoothly transitioned into a D’Arce choke, then slid both legs over the top of the opponent’s neck, creating a Peruvian necktie variation. This hybrid lock combines the under‑neck pressure of a D’Arce with the leg‑wrap of a classic necktie, making it both unusual and highly effective. The quick cascade of submissions showcases Pimblett’s technical fluency and improvisation under pressure.

Comparison with Past Submissions

A similar-looking finish appears in Charles Oliveira’s 2014 victory over Hatsu Hioki. Oliveira’s choke, often called an anaconda choke, places the arms around the outside of the neck rather than under it, giving a slightly different angle. While both holds are slick necktie variations, the difference in arm placement separates the two techniques. The side‑by‑side video of both finishes highlights how rare it is to see such creative transitions in high‑level competition.

What It Means for the Future

If Pimblett continues to develop this hybrid lock, it could become a signature weapon in his arsenal. The early buzz around “The Pad‑Tie” suggests the MMA community will watch for more uses in upcoming fights. Establishing a distinctive submission not only adds depth to his game but also gives him a tool to finish fights quickly, a value proposition for any top‑level contender. Fans and analysts will likely track its progression, seeing whether it evolves into a go‑to finisher or remains a novelty move.