Paddy Pimblett delivered the biggest statement of his career on Saturday night, submitting Benoit Saint-Denis in the opening minute of their lightweight showdown at UFC 329 in Las Vegas.
The finish came after a rapid grappling exchange that saw Pimblett seize control almost immediately before putting Saint-Denis to sleep with a slick choke.
Fast-Paced Opening Leads to Submission Battle
Saint-Denis came out aggressively and charged forward into an early exchange before shooting for a double-leg takedown. Pimblett was ready for the attack and quickly threatened with a guillotine choke, reversing position and forcing the French contender into a defensive scramble.
As Saint-Denis attempted to work back to his feet, Pimblett smoothly transitioned between submission attempts, moving from a d’arce choke to an anaconda choke while maintaining control.
Pimblett Forces Saint-Denis Unconscious
Saint-Denis tried to flatten out and escape the pressure, but Pimblett tightened the hold and pulled guard to secure the submission.
With the choke fully locked in, Saint-Denis desperately rolled across the canvas searching for a way out. The effort was short-lived as the pressure continued to build, eventually putting him unconscious less than a minute into the fight.
The victory marks the most significant win of Pimblett’s UFC career and strengthens his position among the top contenders in the lightweight division.