Paddy Pimblett Submits Benoit Saint Denis With Constricting Choke In UFC 329 Co-Main

In under one minute into the co-main event at UFC 329, Paddy Pimblett put an end to Benoit Saint Denis’ win streak, and put his own title aspirations back on track following his first loss with the promotion back in January.

Coming off a tough loss to Justin Gaethje after five rounds of war earlier this year, in which he failed to grasp the interim lightweight belt, Pimblett was in need of a bounce-back victory, and he did so in style tonight in Las Vegas.

Right out of the gate, Saint Denis was coming forward with strikes, partially landing a high kick before shooting in for the takedown. But Pimblett was ready for the shot, as the Englishman wrapped the neck of his opponent with one arm, before shifting to one side as Saint Denis completed the takedown. Once Pimblett could correctly adjust and connect his hands while maintaining control of his opponent’s neck, everyone knew Saint Denis was in a world of trouble.

UNDER A MINUTE 🤯@PaddyTheBaddy secures the lightning-fast RD1 submission victory in 52 seconds!

[ #UFC329 is LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/yRPOEdMrYR

— UFC (@ufc) July 12, 2026

From this position, Pimblett could put a tremendous amount of pressure on his opponent’s neck, and in just a few seconds Saint Denis was fully unconscious because of a lack of blood flow to the head. In completing the D’Arce choke in the co-main event tonight at UFC 329, Pimblett has become the front-runner to be the recipient of the Submission of the Year award. Even Joe Rogan said during the octagon interview process following the bout that it was one of the most brutal chokes he has seen inside the octagon.

Next, Pimblett seems willing to take on anyone sitting near the top of the 155-pound division, but specifically mentioned the likes of Ilia Topuira, Justin Gaethje, Conor McGregor, and Max Holloway.