Paddy Pimblett calls out Charles Oliveira after UFC 329 win

Paddy Pimblett rebounded from his January loss to Justin Gaethje by choking out Benoit Saint Denis 52 seconds into their UFC 329 co-main event in Las Vegas, per MMA Mania.

The Liverpool lightweight caught Saint Denis attempting a takedown early and locked up a hybrid choke that forced the tap on the canvas. Pimblett described the finish as a blend between a D'arce and a Peruvian necktie, a technique he drilled for the first time in a decade just five weeks before the fight.

Pimblett targets lightweight elite after bounce-back finish

"But that's just how good my jiu jitsu is, I can link things together like that flawlessly," Pimblett said after the win. "I've never done that before. I just done that on the fly. That's how I roll. My jiu jitsu is the best in the world."

Asked about potential opponents, Pimblett named four top lightweights he would take on next. He singled out former champion Charles Oliveira and predicted a submission if the Brazilian tried to grapple. "I'd submit Charles," Pimblett said, per the report. "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."

Pimblett added that a fight with Oliveira would likely turn into a five-round war on the feet if the grappling exchanges never materialized. He also listed Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, and featherweight champion Ilia Topuria as names he would face.

The win puts Pimblett back in the lightweight title conversation following his first career loss at the start of 2026. With Conor McGregor sidelined by injury after UFC 329, Pimblett is positioned as one of the promotion's biggest active draws.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Victorious Paddy Pimblett ready to submit Charles Oliveira for a title shot: ‘He’s on his way out’