After suffering the first UFC loss of his career earlier this year, Paddy Pimblett responded with a 52-second D'Arce choke submission of Benoit Saint-Denis in the UFC 329 co-main event.
Paddy Pimblett made an immediate statement in his return to the Octagon, defeating Benoit Saint-Denis by first-round submission in just 52 seconds during the co-main event of UFC 329 on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.
The victory marked an important rebound for the Liverpool native, who was competing for the first time since dropping a five-round unanimous decision to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in January. Pimblett entered the bout determined to recover from the first UFC defeat of his career and did so with a swift and technically impressive finish.
Pimblett improved his professional record to 24-4 with the victory, while Saint-Denis saw his record fall to 17-4.
The decisive sequence began moments after the opening bell. Saint-Denis threw a left high kick before immediately changing levels for a takedown. Pimblett anticipated the attack, defended the shot with a well-timed sprawl, and smoothly transitioned into a D'Arce choke as Saint-Denis dropped to his knees.
The submission was secured quickly, and Saint-Denis refused to tap despite being caught in the choke. He ultimately lost consciousness, prompting the referee to stop the contest 52 seconds into the opening round.
After the fight, Pimblett said he had expected Saint-Denis to shoot for a takedown early and believed a submission opportunity would present itself.
"I knew he was out," Pimblett said. "I had to say to the referee, 'He's unconscious, lad.' I told everyone all week he was going to shoot in, and I was going to choke him unconscious."
The result was particularly noteworthy because Saint-Denis entered UFC 329 riding a four-fight winning streak. Pimblett successfully defended his opponent's first takedown attempt and immediately turned the position into the fight-ending submission.
UFC CEO Dana White praised Pimblett's performance during the post-fight press conference.
"What a nasty choke he put on him," White said. "It was an incredible performance for as short as it was."
White also highlighted Pimblett's continued rise in popularity following his competitive loss to Gaethje. According to White, the UFC's social media team reported that Pimblett gained approximately two million followers after that defeat. White added that Pimblett's entrance at UFC 329 generated an atmosphere that felt similar to that of a reigning champion.
Known for his energetic walkouts, Pimblett once again received one of the loudest crowd reactions of the evening as he made his way to the Octagon.
When asked about his next opponent, Pimblett declined to target a specific fighter. Instead, he emphasized that his long-term objective remains unchanged.
"I want to be a world champion," Pimblett said. "I want to be undisputed champion of the world. I want to be the first ever world champion from Liverpool, and I'm gonna do that."
He also said he is willing to face any opponent the UFC chooses next as he continues pursuing his goal of competing for the lightweight title.
The 52-second submission provided Pimblett with a decisive victory in his first appearance since January and added another submission win to his professional record. It also served as a successful response following the first UFC loss of his career, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on an opponent's early mistake and secure a quick finish.
With UFC 329 now behind him, Pimblett has returned to the win column and remains focused on his stated goal of one day becoming the UFC's undisputed lightweight champion.
