Paddy Pimblett made a major move in the lightweight ranks after a blistering performance at UFC 329, surging to No. 7 in MMA Fighting's rankings.
Pimblett submitted Benoit Saint Denis in just 52 seconds, a rapid finish that pushed him from No. 12 into the top seven at 155 pounds. He had already broken into the top 15 before UFC 329 and previously lost to Justin Gaethje earlier in his 2026 campaign.
The lightweight division around him remains busy. Max Holloway, ranked No. 5 at lightweight, defeated Conor McGregor in a welterweight bout, while Rafael Fiziev scored a win over Manuel Torres while sitting at No. 14 in the same division.
Potential future opponents mentioned for Pimblett include Arman Tsarukyan, former champion Charles Oliveira, and Ilia Topuria. Elsewhere at lightweight, Usman Nurmagomedov is set to face Archie Colgan at PFL New York on July 31, and Mateusz Gamrot is scheduled to meet Quillan Salkilld at UFC Vegas 120 on Aug. 8.
Pimblett’s rise continues to build the profile of "The Baddy" in a crowded 155-pound landscape that also features names like Beneil Dariush, Tom Nolan, and Alfie Davis, alongside established contenders and fan-favorite "BMF" figures such as Justin Gaethje.
