Paddy Pimblett: Benoit Saint Denis won't shoot at UFC 329

Paddy Pimblett expects Benoit Saint Denis to shelve his wrestling when they meet at UFC 329 on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Saint Denis averages four takedowns per 15 minutes but Pimblett, speaking with TNT Sports, said the Frenchman will stay standing because of the submission danger. "He does try and take everyone down, but I can't see him trying to take me down because he knows I'll submit him," Pimblett said.

Pimblett favors his grappling over Saint Denis' power

The Liverpool lightweight acknowledged Saint Denis brings power and aggression but believes his own skill set poses problems across all areas. "I've got cleaner striking than him. I'm a better grappler and I've got better cardio," Pimblett said, per MMA Mania. "I don't see where he can beat me, to be honest."

Pimblett enters the bout 23-4 after absorbing a five-round loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in January, his first defeat inside the Octagon. Saint Denis improved to 17-3 by stopping Dan Hooker earlier this year at UFC 325 in Sydney.

The lightweight clash headlines International Fight Week and closes the UFC 329 card in Nevada.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Why isn’t Benoit Saint Denis shooting on Paddy Pimblett at UFC 329? ‘He knows I’ll submit him’