UFC 329 video: Paddy Pimblett puts Benoit Saint Denis to sleep with D’arce choke in just 52 seconds
Paddy Pimblett bounced back in a big way with a lightning quick submission win over Benoit Saint Denis in the UFC 329 co-main event.
Following a back-and-forth war with future UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje back in January, Pimblett had something to prove on Saturday night. An ill-fated takedown attempt from Saint Denis was all Pimblett needed as he snatched a guillotine choke before transitioning to D’arce choke and the French lightweight just had no chance to escape.
The fight ended after referee Marc Goddard checked on Saint Denis and he was completely unconscious from the choke. The stoppage came at just 52 seconds into the opening round.
“Sub of the year, bitches!” Pimblett said after his latest win. “I knew he was out. I had to say to Mark, he’s unconscious. He’s going to shoot in … and I’m going to choke his ass unconscious. I’m like a f*cking spider. When I got a hold of you, you don’t get out.
“What now? Am I finished? Who wants it next? I don’t get a f*ck. Give me anyone. Who f*cking wants it? If [Conor] McGregor wants it, he can f*cking get it!”
Saint Denis came out attacking but that game plan backfired spectacularly with Pimblett snatching a guillotine choke and then transitioning to a D’arce choke. Pimblett continued to put pressure on the neck as Saint Denis desperately tried to roll out of the bad position.
But Pimblett had no intention of releasing the submission and he just tightened his grip as Saint Denis was obviously in serious trouble. A few seconds later, the referee checked and Saint Denis was unconscious from the choke.
Pimblett released the submission and immediately began a raucous celebration following one of the biggest wins of his career.
While the loss to Gaethje aged like fine wine, Pimblett still had to go out there and deal with a ferocious opponent like Saint Denis. It’s safe to say he passed that test with flying colors.
Now Pimblett is staring down a multitude of options including a potential showdown with former champion Ilia Topuria or possibly getting the winner of the UFC 329 main event between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway.
