Paddy Pimblett delivered a statement performance in the UFC 329 co-main event, finishing his opponent by submission in the first round. The victory has immediately sparked discussion about who should be next for Pimblett.
Paddy Pimblett cemented his position as one of lightweight's most dangerous finishers, submitting his opponent in the opening round of the UFC 329 co-main event on July 11.
The 31-year-old Liverpudlian, ranked sixth in the lightweight division, has long been celebrated for his grappling instincts, and Saturday night was no exception. Fighting out of Next Generation MMA Liverpool, Pimblett now stands at 24 wins and 4 losses, improving his record with yet another finish that required less than five minutes of cage time. His submission attempts rate of 1.4 per 15 minutes is among the more aggressive in the lightweight division, a figure that explains why opponents are rarely comfortable once the fight hits the mat. He also brings genuine striking danger to complement that ground game, landing 5.48 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy, numbers that make him difficult to manage at any range.
Why it matters
- At ranked sixth at lightweight, a strong performance in a co-main event slot puts Pimblett squarely in contention for a top-five opponent.
- His combination of high striking volume and active submission hunting creates matchup problems for virtually anyone in the division.
- The first-round finish adds momentum and keeps Pimblett fresh, avoiding the wear that can come with longer bouts.
The victory has already ignited debate around who should be next for "The Baddy." With a first-round submission on a marquee card, the argument for a step up in competition is difficult to dismiss.
Saturday, July 11, 2026
