Dustin Poirier is siding with Paddy Pimblett ahead of UFC 329, predicting the Liverpudlian will defeat Benoit Saint Denis in their co-main event clash at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 11.
Pimblett enters the bout with a 23-4 MMA record and a 7-1 slate in the UFC, while Saint Denis brings a 17-3 mark and a 9-3 UFC run into the matchup. Saint Denis has opened as a moderate betting favorite and is riding a four-fight finishing streak, including stoppage wins over Mauricio Ruffy, Beneil Dariush, and Dan Hooker at UFC 325.
Poirier, who knocked out Saint Denis in Round 2 at UFC 299, made his pick clear: "I've got Paddy," he said, explaining that his view is influenced by Pimblett’s performance in a loss to Justin Gaethje in their interim title fight at UFC 324.
"Both guys are great fighters. I just compare it to the Gaethje fight. I think if BSD fought Gaethje, Gaethje would stop him on the feet. Paddy took it and was still able to keep walking forward. He definitely has a chin. I just don't know if BSD is going to be able to get him down."
Poirier further broke down the stylistic matchup: "I think Paddy probably wins on the feet. BSD is not that slick on the feet. He might have power – and he's not scared to take chances. He'll walk in front of you, get in your face, and put himself in harm's way to land his shots. I just think Paddy is probably a little bit better on the feet."
