Benoit Saint Denis apologizes after UFC 329 submission loss

Benoit Saint Denis issued an apology to his supporters after getting submitted by Paddy Pimblett at UFC 329, ending his four-fight finish streak in under a minute.

The French lightweight posted to Instagram following the co-main event defeat, writing that he was "sorry to have disappointed" fans, MMA Mania reports. "I'm learning from the pain, but I'm learning," Saint Denis wrote. "I'll come back stronger. Congratulations to Paddy for his performance. I'm convinced that our paths will cross again one day."

Saint Denis loses ground after 52-second finish

Pimblett caught Saint Denis with what he described as a hybrid choke between a D'Arce and Peruvian necktie. The Liverpool fighter told reporters afterward that he drilled the position for the first time in a decade roughly five weeks before the bout and executed the variation on instinct during the scramble.

Saint Denis entered the matchup ranked above Pimblett in the official UFC lightweight standings and is expected to drop when the division updates later this week. The Frenchman sustained no significant damage in the loss and could return quickly if his schedule allows.

The defeat snaps a run of four consecutive stoppage wins for Saint Denis, who moves to 17-4 with one no-contest. Pimblett improved to 24-4 and has called for a title eliminator against Charles Oliveira.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — ‘Sorry’ Benoit Saint Denis opens up about UFC 329 submission loss — ‘I’m learning through the pain’