Benoit Saint-Denis Admits he was Initially Disappointed to Face Paddy Pimblett

When UFC lightweight Benoit Saint-Denis first learned he'd be sharing the Octagon with Paddy Pimblett, a lower ranked contender, at UFC 329, excitement wasn't exactly his first reaction. 

Like many contenders climbing the lightweight ladder, the Frenchman had his sights set on bigger names and an even quicker route back into title contention. 

However, as the fighter himself admitted, that feeling didn't last long. The more Saint-Denis looked at the matchup, the more he realized it offered exactly what every contender wants: a chance to beat a fighter who was recently knocking on the door of a UFC title shot. 

Benoit Saint-Denis Quickly Changed Mind About Paddy Pimblett Fight

Speaking ahead of UFC 329, Benoit Saint-Denis admitted his initial reaction to the booking wasn't entirely positive. Considering he enters the bout as the No. 5-ranked lightweight, with No. 9-ranked Paddy Pimblett below him in the rankings, the matchup wasn't exactly what he had envisioned.

"I was a little bit disappointed the first time," he said. It wasn't because of any personal issue with the flamboyant Englishman. Instead, the “God of War” was looking at the bigger picture of the 155-lb division and where a victory could take him.

That disappointment, however, quickly faded. "But I got fired up a couple hours later," the 30-year-old added. "He's the last title contender so it's a huge fight." The comment, in retrospect, reflects the respect Saint-Denis still has for Pimblett despite the latter’s recent setback. 

Paddy Pimblett Looking to Get Back to Victory Lane in UFC 329

Before suffering the first loss of his UFC career at the hands of Justin Gaethje, Pimblett (23-4-0) had positioned himself among the lightweight division's top contenders, making this matchup a significant measuring stick for both men.

For Saint-Denis, it's a chance to remind fans why he was once considered one of the division's fastest-rising contenders. After an up-and-down stretch, a statement win over a high-profile opponent would put him right back in the conversation in one of the UFC's deepest weight classes.

The stakes are equally high for Pimblett. A victory over a powerhouse like Saint-Denis would erase much of the disappointment from his last outing and immediately restore momentum in the division.

That's why, despite his first reaction, Saint-Denis now views the bout as far more than just another fight on the schedule. It's an opportunity to take a meaningful step toward the top of the lightweight rankings.

Benoit Saint-Denis Remains Betting Favorite, Paddy Pimblett Closing Gap

Oddsmakers still favor Saint Denis (17-3-0, 1NC) heading into UFC 329, though the gap between the two fighters has narrowed as fight week has progressed.

In fact, Saint-Denis opened as a roughly -155 favorite, with Pimblett coming back around to +130. Since then, the betting line has tightened, with recent odds placing BSD between -135 and -140, while his opponent has improved to +110 to +115.

While Benoit Saint-Denis remains the favorite, the movement suggests bettors have grown increasingly confident that Pimblett has a legitimate chance of pulling off the upset. That shouldn't come as a surprise.

Clash Looks Close on Paper

Stylistically, this matchup has all the ingredients of a closely contested fight. Saint-Denis is known for his relentless pace, aggression, and willingness to push opponents into uncomfortable exchanges, while Pimblett has repeatedly shown an ability to find creative finishes.

Following two consecutive losses to Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano, the Frenchman bounced back rather valiantly, stringing together four wins, including ones over Mauricio Ruffy and Beneil Dariush. And a win over Pimblett keeps him firmly in the lightweight title picture and reinforces his reputation as one of the division's most dangerous action fighters.

For Pimblett, defeating a ranked opponent like Saint Denis would instantly silence the naysayers and put him right back among the names to watch at 155.

With little separating the two men in the eyes of bookmakers and plenty on the line for both careers, the UFC 329 co-main event has quietly developed into one of the most compelling fights on the entire card.