Paddy Pimblett believes Benoit Saint Denis will be hesitant to attempt takedowns against him due to the danger Pimblett presents on the ground. He acknowledged that Saint Denis typically relies heavily on grappling but thinks his own submission threat will act as a deterrent. Pimblett added that once Saint Denis absorbs strikes, he will likely revert to his default game of repeated takedown attempts.
Paddy Pimblett has declared that Benoit Saint Denis will think twice before shooting for takedowns when the two lightweights meet, arguing that his submission threat will neutralize Saint Denis's most dangerous weapon.
Pimblett, ranked sixth in the lightweight division, carries a record of 23-4-0 and has built a reputation as one of the division's most dangerous grapplers from his back. The 31-year-old from Liverpool averages 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes and lands strikes at a rate of 5.49 per minute with 52 percent accuracy. His assessment is that Saint Denis, despite being a relentless grappler, will hesitate to commit to takedowns knowing the ground danger Pimblett presents. Pimblett also suggested that once Saint Denis begins absorbing punishment on the feet, he will instinctively fall back on repeated takedown attempts as his default response.
Saint Denis, nicknamed "God of War," enters the matchup ranked ninth at lightweight with a record of 17-3-0. The 30-year-old southpaw is one of the division's most prolific wrestlers, averaging an imposing 4.19 takedowns per 15 minutes. His striking accuracy of 58 percent and an output of 5.62 significant strikes per minute show he is no one-dimensional fighter, and his own submission average of 1.8 attempts per 15 minutes suggests he is dangerous once a fight hits the mat as well.
Why it matters
- Pimblett's submission threat directly challenges Saint Denis's primary path to victory, potentially forcing an uncomfortable stand-up exchange.
- A win for either fighter would push them significantly closer to the top five of a stacked lightweight division.
- The stylistic clash — a high-output grappler against a fighter confident in his ground defense — sets up a compelling tactical battle from the opening bell.
