Paddy Pimblett’s First-Round D’Arce Choke Over Benoît Saint-Denis at UFC 329

On the UFC 329 co-main event in Las Vegas, Paddy Pimblett submitted Benoît Saint-Denis in 52 seconds with a D’Arce choke. Saint-Denis, the No. 5 lightweight, attempted a takedown early in the opening round; Pimblett anticipated the move, secured a guillotine, transitioned to a D’Arce, and forced the French former special-forces operative unconscious. It marked Saint-Denis’s first career loss by submission.

Benoit Saint Denis Vows To Return Stronger After Sub Loss

Pimblett entered UFC 329 seeking redemption after a decision loss to interim champion Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in January 2026. The Liverpool native had previously earned three “Performance of the Night” bonuses and victories over Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler. Saint-Denis, ranked No. 5, arrived on a four-fight winning streak that had positioned him for a potential lightweight title shot.

Sports Illustrated

• Paddy Pimblett – British lightweight known for his charismatic persona and aggressive striking.

Why it’s time the world stopped doubting Paddy Pimblett

• Benoît Saint-Denis – French lightweight, former French special-forces operative, ranked No. 5 before the bout.

Benoit Saint Denis Vows To Return Stronger After Sub Loss

• Dana White – UFC CEO, overseeing promotion and rankings.

Paddy Pimblett breaks down incredible UFC 329 submission: ‘I’ve never done that before’

• Pimblett’s corner – Head coach Paul, along with Ellis and Chris, who guided the fight plan.

Paddy Pimblett breaks down incredible UFC 329 submission: ‘I’ve never done that before’

• Fight duration: 52 seconds.

Paddy Pimblett says Gaethje upset changed UFC 329 mindset

• Submission type: D’Arce choke (following a brief guillotine).

Paddy Pimblett breaks down incredible UFC 329 submission: ‘I’ve never done that before’

• Saint-Denis’s record: first submission loss, streak of four wins ended.

Benoit Saint Denis Vows To Return Stronger After Sub Loss

• Post-fight rankings: Pimblett rose to #5 in the lightweight division; Saint-Denis dropped three places.

Benoit Saint Denis Vows To Return Stronger After Sub Loss

The rapid finish vaulted Pimblett into the elite tier of the lightweight division and sparked a surge in his public profile. UFC CEO Dana White noted a dramatic increase in Pimblett’s social-media following, estimating two million new followers overnight. The victory also placed Pimblett among the shortlist of potential challengers for the lightweight title held by Justin Gaethje.

Why it’s time the world stopped doubting Paddy Pimblett

• Dana White praised the impact of the win: “He gained so much respect in that last fight… the way he came in tonight, it felt like he was the world champion.”

Paddy Pimblett breaks down incredible UFC 329 submission: ‘I’ve never done that before’

• Benoît Saint-Denis issued an Instagram apology: “Thank you for your support. I am sorry to have let you down. I am learning the hard way, but I am learning. I will come back stronger.” He added, “Kudos to Paddy for his performance. I am convinced our paths will cross again someday.”

Benoit Saint Denis Vows To Return Stronger After Sub Loss

• Pimblett explained his preparation: “My corner was right in front of me… Paul literally said, ‘Don’t burn your arms out,’ but I knew I had it cinched up.” He also emphasized his mindset: “If I can’t beat BSD, I’m never going to be a world champion.”

Paddy Pimblett breaks down incredible UFC 329 submission: ‘I’ve never done that before’

Some observers have questioned Pimblett’s championship credentials, labeling him a “hater-target” and suggesting his success relies on favorable match-ups rather than elite skill. These critiques highlight ongoing debate over whether his recent performances constitute a sustained elite level.

Why it’s time the world stopped doubting Paddy Pimblett

All sources agree on the fight’s outcome, duration, and method; no contradictory data were identified.

Benoit Saint Denis Vows To Return Stronger After Sub Loss

• “My head coach Paul, Ellis, and Chris were all there and Paul literally said, ‘Don’t burn your arms out,’ but I knew I had it cinched up.” — Paddy Pimblett, Fighter

Paddy Pimblett breaks down incredible UFC 329 submission: ‘I’ve never done that before’

• “My social team was telling after that last loss he gained, like, two million followers on social media from that night to the next morning.” — Dana White, UFC CEO

Paddy Pimblett breaks down incredible UFC 329 submission: ‘I’ve never done that before’

• “Thank you for your support. I am sorry to have let you down. I am learning the hard way, but I am learning. I will come back stronger.” — Benoît Saint-Denis, Fighter (Instagram)

Benoit Saint Denis Vows To Return Stronger After Sub Loss

• “If I can't beat BSD, I'm never going to be a world champion,” — Paddy Pimblett, Fighter (podcast)

Paddy Pimblett says Gaethje upset changed UFC 329 mindset

• “Coming out and throwing a crazy kick like that first thing, his knee just collapsed underneath him, and I feel bad for him.” — Paddy Pimblett, Fighter

Heavy

Pimblett has not announced his next opponent, but UFC analysts suggest potential match-ups with top contenders such as Charles Oliveira or Arman Tsarukyan. Saint-Denis is expected to face another top-15 lightweight—candidates include Rafael Fiziev, Tom Nolan, or Grant Dawson—as he seeks to rebuild his ranking.

Heavy