Paddy Pimblett Dominates Benoit Saint-Denis, Calls for Fights with Top UFC Stars

Paddy Pimblett made a resounding statement in his recent octagon appearance, securing a rapid first-round submission victory over Benoit Saint-Denis. The Liverpudlian standout, known as “Paddy The Baddy,” utilized a D’arce choke to put Saint-Denis to sleep in just 52 seconds, demonstrating his formidable grappling prowess. This win serves as a significant bounce-back performance following his interim-title fight loss to Justin Gaethje in January.

The highly anticipated bout took place shortly before Conor McGregor’s return to the octagon for his first fight in five years, a rematch against Max Holloway at UFC 329.

Por que importa

“Submission of the year, b*hes,” Pimblett declared to Joe Rogan in his post-fight interview. He detailed his strategic approach, anticipating Saint-Denis’s takedown attempt and capitalizing with a submission hold. “I told everyone all week: he’s gonna shoot in, I’m gonna grab him, and I’m gonna choke him out,” Pimblett explained. Comparing his grappling to a spider’s web, he emphasized his ability to secure opponents once he gets a hold of them.

Following his impressive win, Pimblett wasted no time in calling out potential future opponents. He expressed his desire to face Ilia Topuria, rematch Justin Gaethje, and even take on Conor McGregor or Max Holloway. “I don’t give a f*. give me anyone and I’ll punch their head in,” Pimblett asserted, showcasing his confidence and willingness to face any challenge.

Beyond his fighting aspirations, Pimblett also took a moment to pay tribute to former Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, marking the first anniversary of their tragic deaths in a car crash. He led the crowd in singing Jota’s “Number 20” chant, connecting with the Liverpool fanbase present.

However, Pimblett’s call-out of Conor McGregor took a somber turn. Mere moments into McGregor’s comeback fight against Holloway, the Irish star suffered a severe knee injury, reportedly an ACL tear, leading to the bout being stopped early. This unfortunate injury is expected to sideline McGregor for approximately a year, casting a shadow over Pimblett’s bold challenge.

Key facts
| Fighter | Opponent | Method | Time | Result |
|——————-|——————-|————–|———-|————–|
| Paddy Pimblett | Benoit Saint-Denis | D’arce Choke | 0:52 | Submission |
| Conor McGregor | Max Holloway | – | 1:09 | No Contest |

Pimblett’s dominant performance and subsequent call-outs position him as a significant player in the UFC’s lightweight and featherweight divisions. His ability to finish fights quickly, coupled with his outspoken personality, makes him a compelling figure for fans and promoters alike. The fighters he named represent some of the biggest names and toughest challenges in the sport, indicating his ambition to reach the highest levels of UFC competition. The unfortunate injury to McGregor, however, adds an element of uncertainty to any potential future mega-fight between them.

Source: Yahoo Sports – https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/paddy-pimblett-calls-conor-mcgregor-034030803.html

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