Paddy Pimblett is set to face Benoit Saint-Denis in the co-main event of UFC 329, looking to build momentum after a unanimous decision loss to Justin Gaethje in January. The defeat at UFC 324 marked a significant challenge for Pimblett, who had been on a rising trajectory with multiple finishes and performance bonuses, making him a fan favorite.
Gaethje, who has since become the lightweight champion, inflicted more damage on Pimblett than he had previously experienced in his career. "I can’t start demanding title fights," Pimblett told The Post. "I’m not even on a win streak. Once I beat BSD, I’ll be on a one–fight– it’s not even a streak– it’s just a win. I didn’t even ask for a title fight when I got the Gaethje fight."
Pimblett views Saint-Denis, a former member of the French Army Special Forces, as a tough opponent but believes he is a less dangerous version of Gaethje. "I’ve fought people like him," Pimblett said. "We’ve done a lot of specific stuff, obviously, for the type of grappling he does. We’ll be ready for him… He’s a not-as-good version of Justin Gaethje on the feet."
Despite acknowledging Saint-Denis's grappling reputation, Pimblett expressed confidence in his own abilities on the ground, citing Saint-Denis's performance against Renato Moicano. "People talk about his grappling… even [Renato] Moicano absolutely schooled him on the ground. Moicano busted him up bad and schooled him on the floor," Pimblett stated.
The fight is scheduled as a three-round bout, a format Pimblett believes Saint-Denis requested because he tends to gas out after two rounds. "I think he must have asked for it to be three rounds because he knows he gasses after two," Pimblett commented. "I’ll be shocked if this fight gets to the third round, but if it does, I’ll be putting a third-round beating on him."
Pimblett also addressed public discussions surrounding his mental health advocacy and his dietary habits. He emphasized his dedication during training camps, which involves a strict weight cut from nearly 175 pounds to the lightweight limit of 155 pounds. "It’s dedication and hard work," Pimblett said. "People say I’m not dedicated because I put weight on when I’m out of camp, but I’m not fighting then, I can do what I want. When I’m in camp, and I’ve got a weight to make, I’m the most dedicated fighter you’ve ever seen. I have to be to make weight."
Pimblett detailed his approach to weight management, stating there is no trick, only a consistent caloric deficit. "There is no trick. You just have to eat fewer calories than you burn every day, and you’ll keep losing weight consistently."