Pimblett’s swift victory
Liverpool fighter Paddy Pimblett delivered a significant performance at UFC 329, securing a submission victory over Benoit Saint-Denis in just 52 seconds. The win, achieved via a guillotine choke, took place in the co-main event and has strengthened Pimblett’s claim for a lightweight title shot. Referee Marc Goddard intervened as Saint-Denis became unconscious, having refused to tap out.
This marked Pimblett’s first fight since his loss to Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title in January. Following his victory, Pimblett celebrated by leaping out of the octagon and paid tribute to Diogo Jota, a Liverpool and Portugal winger who passed away a year prior. Pimblett’s record now stands at 24 wins from 28 fights, with seven of those victories coming by submission.
The fighter, known as “The Baddy,” expressed confidence in his post-fight comments, stating, “Sub of the year. I’m like a spider. When I’ve got hold of you, you don’t get out and it’s as simple as that.” He also challenged a range of opponents, including Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje, Conor McGregor, and Max Holloway.
Despite entering the fight after a defeat, his first since 2018, Pimblett was warmly received by a sold-out crowd at the T-Mobile Arena. His placement in the co-main event of the UFC‘s International Fight Week card highlights the promotion’s confidence in him, which he repaid with his dominant performance. Saint-Denis, who was on a four-fight win streak, was expected to provide a challenge but was unable to counter Pimblett’s jiu-jitsu.
Mixed results for other Britons
The event also featured other British fighters, with mixed outcomes. Luke Riley, who trains alongside Pimblett at Liverpool‘s Next Generation gym, opened the preliminary card with a TKO victory over Kai Kamaka III. This was Riley’s third appearance under the UFC banner, extending his perfect record to 14 victories. Riley, 27, dropped Kamaka late in the first round before the referee stopped the fight after a series of knees and punches.
Riley’s performance continued to justify the faith placed in him by the UFC, which had previously given him a co-main event slot at UFC London in March. He commented on his satisfaction with the win, stating, “My past two fights I’ve been very harsh on myself but I’m very happy with this one. When I hit someone it’s bedtime – they are going for a nap.”
However, Lone’er Kavanagh, another British fighter, experienced a setback in his pursuit of climbing the flyweight rankings. He suffered a submission loss to Brandon Royval in a chaotic contest. Kavanagh, 27, managed to drop Royval early in the second round but could not secure the finish. Royval quickly recovered and gained control in the third round, ultimately submitting Kavanagh with a rear-naked choke.
Kavanagh had previously upset former two-time champion Brandon Moreno in March and had hoped for a title shot with a victory at UFC 329. This loss marks his second in five fights since joining the UFC, requiring him to regroup in his career.
Future prospects for Pimblett
Pimblett’s career trajectory has been carefully managed, as he initially turned down UFC offers at 21 and 23 before signing at 26 in 2021. This patient approach has allowed him to steadily ascend the rankings over the past five years.
A potential grudge match with Ilia Topuria has been a topic of discussion since their clash during fight week at UFC London in 2022. Their rivalry has intensified over the last four years, with Topuria going on to win titles at both featherweight and lightweight. Topuria’s next move is uncertain following his first career defeat, where he lost the lightweight belt to Justin Gaethje in June.
The UFC may be interested in a title fight between Pimblett and Topuria, or they could face each other to determine a number one contender. Topuria, 29, sustained a broken orbital bone against Gaethje, which may require recovery time. This could potentially open an opportunity for Pimblett to seek revenge and a title shot. Pimblett’s only loss in the UFC has gained relevance following Gaethje’s recent title triumph.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
As NewsGB.org's Sports News Writer, Theo Marsden reports on rugby union, golf and boxing for readers across the country. He began on a regional sports desk in Yorkshire. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Hull and completed an NCTJ diploma. Theo lives in Hull, where he follows the European Tour and amateur rugby. “Sport moves fast; readers deserve it right the first time.”