Paddy Pimblett absolutely exploded onto the lightweight title conversation at UFC 329, making quick work of Benoit Saint-Denis with a guillotine choke that put the Frenchman out cold in just 52 seconds. This wasn't just a win, this was a savage, undeniable declaration from "The Baddy" that he is back and more dangerous than ever, cementing his claim for a shot at lightweight gold. After suffering his first loss since 2018 against Justin Gaethje in January, Pimblett came to T-Mobile Arena with something to prove, and he delivered in the most emphatic way possible.
The "Spider" Comes For The Lightweight Crown
The Liverpudlian wasted zero time. Saint-Denis, who was on a four-fight win streak and expected to give Pimblett a serious test, tried for a takedown, but Paddy stuffed it like it was nothing. From there, it was vintage Pimblett. He attacked the neck, locked in that guillotine, and that was all she wrote. Referee Marc Goddard had to step in because Saint-Denis refused to tap, going unconscious on the canvas. Talk about a statement! Pimblett, 31, leapt out of the octagon to celebrate with the sell-out crowd before paying tribute to Diogo Jota, the Liverpool and Portugal winger who died in a car accident a year ago. Pimblett’s post-fight interview was pure fire, calling his finish "Sub of the year." He roared, "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 didn't stop there, either. "Everyone counted me out. Everyone said I was finished because I lost to Gaethje but what now? Am I finished? Who wants it next? I'll beat Ilia Topuria up, I'll rematch Justin Gaethje, I'll fight Conor McGregor or Max Holloway next. Give me everyone and I'll punch their head in." With 24 wins from 28 fights, and 7 of those by submission, Pimblett's 18 finishes in 24 wins prove he means business. Being handed a co-main event slot on the UFC's marquee International Fight Week card shows exactly how much the promotion values him, and he repaid that faith big time.Britons Had Mixed Fortunes at UFC 329
While Pimblett stole the show, it was a mixed bag for the other Britons on the card. Luke Riley, who trains with Pimblett at Liverpool's Next Generation gym, absolutely dominated the preliminary card opener. Making only his third UFC appearance, the 27-year-old extended his perfect record to 14 victories with a TKO win over Kai Kamaka III. Riley dropped Kamaka with a heavy right in the first round, then unloaded with knees and punches until the referee had to step in. "My past two fights I've been very harsh on myself but I'm very happy with this one," Riley said, adding, "When I hit someone it's bedtime - they are going for a nap." With 10 of his 14 wins coming by KO or TKO, and a co-main event slot at UFC London in March already under his belt, Riley is another Brit on the rise. However, Lone'er Kavanagh's hopes of climbing the flyweight rankings took a hit. In a chaotic contest, he fell to a submission loss against Brandon Royval. Kavanagh, 27, had dropped Royval early in the second round with a looping right and emptied his tank trying to get the finish. But the durable American recovered quickly, gained control in the third, and locked in a rear naked choke. After upsetting former two-time champion Brandon Moreno in March, Kavanagh had hopes of earning a title shot with a victory, but this second loss in five UFC fights means he'll have to reset. After that kind of performance, Paddy Pimblett sent a clear message: he is back, he is dangerous, and he is coming for that lightweight gold. Who in the lightweight division is truly ready to step into the octagon with a 'spider' like that?This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.