​UFC 329 may have looked like a disaster for the aging star Conor McGregor, but the night still boosted Paddy Pimblett’s profile as his own stock continued to climb. After a stumble earlier in 2026 against Justin Gaethje, Pimblett delivered the big win he needed by stopping Benoit Saint Denis just 52 seconds into their Las Vegas co-main event, a moment that had Fight fans buzzing with highlights to watch. Saint Denis found himself trapped in a choke after his first ill-fated takedown attempt, and Pimblett’s grip tightened as the two fighters hit the canvas and fought for position.
“I knew I had that cinched up,” Pimblett said of the finish. He explained that Saint Denis’s known defense against guillotines had forced him to pivot to other setups around the choke, ultimately landing a submission that felt picture-perfect. “It wasn’t a proper Peruvian necktie, but I literally drilled a Peruvian necktie for the first time in about ten years about five weeks ago. It was like a blend of a D’arce and a Peruvian necktie.” Pimblett added that his jiu-jitsu allows him to link techniques seamlessly, describing the finish as something he improvised on the fly. “That’s how I roll. My jiu jitsu is the best in the world.”
When it comes to future opponents, Pimblett, who fans know as “The Baddy,” left the door open to any top lightweight name. He shared a clear ambition: to become a world champion and, ideally, the first ever undisputed champion from Liverpool. He spoke with determination about the path ahead, stressing that the goal isn’t distant but rather destined, whether that comes in the next fight or after several more fights. “I wanna be a world champion. I wanna be the undisputed champion of the world. I wanna be the first ever world champion from Liverpool, and I’m gonna do that. It’s that simple,” Pimblett asserted. “If you want me to fight Justin Gaethje next, if you want me to fight Arman Tsarukyan next, if you want me to fight Ilia Topuria next, if you want me to fight Charles Oliveira next, anyone can get it.”
Pimblett also teased the possibility of a future showdown with Charles Oliveira, hinting that a ground fight could tilt in his favor. “I’d submit Charles,” he said, acknowledging Oliveira’s legendary status while offering a candid assessment of how a grappling match would likely unfold. “I’ve got nothing but respect for Charles. He’s an absolute legend in this sport, but he’s on his way out. If he tries to grapple with me, I’d submit him. But we’d probably end up having a war for five rounds on the feet if I ever fight with Charles Oliveira.” The sentiment underscored Pimblett’s confidence and willingness to test himself against a wide range of challengers.
Such a lineup would be a massive draw for the UFC, and Pimblett’s growing star power positions him as one of the promotion’s most prominent talents outside of McGregor’s era. While McGregor remains a monumental figure, the reality is that his marketability has shifted, leaving Pimblett to fill the vacuum as one of the sport’s brightest young personalities. A hypothetical clash with Ilia Topuria, in particular, could be one of the sport’s most significant marquee bouts, drawing in fans who want to see whether Pimblett’s techniques and bravado translate at the elite level against another top-tier competitor.
In the wake of the Saint Denis victory, Pimblett’s trajectory appears poised to rise even higher, with a potential string of high-stakes matchups on the horizon. He’s voiced a clear intent to pursue greatness, and his performance at UFC 329 underscored his growing proficiency and fearless approach inside the Octagon. For fans and analysts alike, Pimblett’s continued ascent offers a compelling story arc: a dynamic, outspoken light heavyweight contender-in-waiting who could redefine the lightweight division’s upper echelon in the coming years.