Benoit Saint Denis and Paddy Pimblett clash at UFC 329

On Saturday, two elite lightweights faced off in the UFC 329 co-main event when Paddy Pimblett took on Benoit Saint-Denis. […]

The MMA community reacted to Paddy Pimblett's insane 52-second victory against Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 11: (L-R) Paddy Pimblett of England wrestles Benoit Saint Denis of France in a lightweight fight during the UFC 329 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC) Paddy Pimblett bounced back in a big way with a lightning quick submission win over Benoit Saint Denis in the UFC 329 co-main event. Following a back-and-forth war with future UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje back in January, Pimblett had something to prove on Saturday night. An ill-fated takedown attempt from Saint Denis was all Pimblett needed as he snatched a guillotine choke before transitioning to D’arce choke and the French lightweight just had no chance to escape. The fight ended after referee Marc Goddard checked on Saint Denis and he was completely unconscious from the choke. The stoppage came at just 52 seconds into the opening round. PUT TO SLEEP IN FIFTY SECONDS 🤯 PADDY PIMBLETT JUST EARNED A MASSIVE SUBMISSION VICTORY IN THE #UFC329 CO-MAIN EVENT! [ LIVE ON @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/Zru5spmIf9 — UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) July 12, 2026 “Sub of the year, bitches!” Pimblett said after his latest win. “I knew he was out. I had to say to Mark, he’s unconscious. He’s going to shoot in … and I’m going to choke his ass unconscious. I’m like a f*cking spider. When I got a hold of you, you don’t get out. “What now? Am I finished? Who wants it next? I don’t get a f*ck. Give me anyone. Who f*cking wants it? If [Conor] McGregor wants it, he can f*cking get it!” Saint Denis came out attacking but that game plan backfired spectacularly with Pimblett snatching a guillotine choke and then transitioning to a D’arce choke. Pimblett continued to put pressure on the neck as Saint Denis desperately tried to roll out of the bad position. But Pimblett had no intention of releasing the submission and he just tightened his grip as Saint Denis was obviously in serious trouble. A few seconds later, the referee checked and Saint Denis was unconscious from the choke. Pimblett released the submission and immediately began a raucous celebration following one of the biggest wins of his career. While the loss to Gaethje aged like fine wine, Pimblett still had to go out there and deal with a ferocious opponent like Saint Denis. It’s safe to say he passed that test with flying colors. Now Pimblett is staring down a multitude of options including a potential showdown with former champion Ilia Topuria or possibly getting the winner of the UFC 329 main event between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway.

Paddy Pimblett burned more energy in his UFC 329 walkout.

Saint Denis was in trouble within 15 seconds.

Paddy Pimblett makes quick work of Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: (L-R) Benoit Saint-Denis and Paddy Pimblett face off during the UFC 329 press conference at T-Mobile Arena on July 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) This is the UFC 329 live blog for Benoit Saint Denis vs. Paddy Pimblett, the lightweight co-main event bout Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Saint Denis is currently No. 7 at 155 pounds in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, while Pimblett sits at No. 12. The surging Saint Denis (17-3, 1 NC) has looked like the most dangerous man in the lightweight division. He has finished all four opponents during his current four-fight win streak, including fellow top 10 contender Mauricio Ruffy, and veterans Dan Hooker and Beneil Dariush. A two-fight skid in 2024 appeared to derail Saint Denis’ hype train, but he’s rebounded with style and could challenge for UFC gold soon. Pimblett (23-4) recently had his own chance to win a UFC title, but fell short against Justin Gaethje in their interim lightweight championship match. The loss snapped Pimblett’s nine-fight win streak and ruined his perfect UFC record after he started 7-0 with the promotion. “The Baddy” can vault right back to the front of the line with an impressive performance against the red-hot Saint Denis. Check out the UFC 329 live blog for Benoit Saint Denis vs. Paddy Pimblett below. Round 1: Round 2: Round 3: Official result: