Pimblett Eyes Title Shot After Devastating Submission Win, Targets Oliveira

Paddy Pimblett delivered a statement performance at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, submitting Benoit Saint Denis in just 52 seconds to bounce back from an earlier loss and position himself firmly in the lightweight title conversation.

The British fighter caught Saint Denis in a choke immediately after the Frenchman attempted an ill-advised takedown, transitioning seamlessly to the canvas before securing the finish. Pimblett's technical execution impressed even himself, as he described executing a hybrid submission technique he had rarely drilled.

Submission Mastery

> "I knew I had that cinched up. I knew he was good at defending a guillotine, so we'd worked on other things around the guillotine, and that was just there. Picture perfect."

Pimblett credited his grappling prowess for the seamless transition between techniques during the fight.

> "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. And it was like a mixture between a D'arce and a Peruvian necktie. But that's just how good my jiu jitsu is, I can link things together like that flawlessly."

The 28-year-old emphasized that the improvisation reflected his high-level grappling instincts, claiming he executed the combination spontaneously during competition.

Championship Ambitions

With the victory, Pimblett immediately turned his focus toward title contention. The Liverpool native expressed his ultimate goal with characteristic confidence, stating he intends to become the first undisputed champion from his hometown.

> "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."

Rather than calling out a specific opponent, Pimblett indicated his willingness to face any elite lightweight in pursuit of gold, naming several top contenders including Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, Ilia Topuria, and Charles Oliveira as potential next opponents.

Oliveira Assessment

Pimblett reserved particular commentary for Oliveira, the legendary Brazilian fighter and former champion. While expressing respect for Oliveira's accomplishments, Pimblett suggested the veteran's best years are behind him.

> "I'd submit Charles. I've got nothing but respect for Charles, know what I mean? He's an absolute legend in this sport, but he's on his way out. And I think 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 comments underscore Pimblett's confidence in his submission defense and offensive grappling, even against one of the division's most decorated competitors.

Pimblett's rapid ascent comes at an opportune moment for the UFC lightweight division, with McGregor's future uncertain following his own setback at UFC 329. The Baddy's combination of striking prowess and elite jiu-jitsu appears to have established him as a legitimate contender capable of competing with the division's elite.