Liverpool's Paddy Pimblett made a spectacular statement at UFC 329, submitting Benoit Saint-Denis in just 52 seconds and reigniting his bid for a lightweight title opportunity.
Pimblett stuffed an early takedown attempt, locked in a tight guillotine choke, and forced the referee to intervene as Saint-Denis went unconscious. The victory marked Pimblett's first fight since losing to Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title in January.
"Sub of the year. I'm like a spider. When I've got hold of you, you don't get out," Pimblett said. "Everyone counted me out because I lost to Gaethje, but what now? Who wants it next? I'll beat Ilia Topuria, I'll rematch Justin, I'll fight Conor McGregor or Max Holloway. Give me everyone and I'll punch their head in."
The 31-year-old improved his record to 24 wins from 28 fights, with seven submissions. After the win, he paid tribute to Liverpool and Portugal winger Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident 12 months ago.
Despite entering the fight on a defeat—his first since 2018—Pimblett was confident and received a warm welcome from the sell-out crowd at T-Mobile Arena. Being placed in the co-main event of the UFC's International Fight Week card underscored his value to the promotion.
Saint-Denis came in on a four-fight win streak but had no answer for Pimblett's jiu-jitsu. Earlier on the card, fellow Liverpool fighter Luke Riley also impressed with a TKO victory over Kai Kamaka III, extending his perfect record to 14 wins.