The Liverpool-born fighter stole the show in Las Vegas, producing one of the best performances of his career on a card that had all eyes on the return of Conor McGregor.
An early takedown attempt by Saint Denis seemed to seal his fate as Pimblett took full control of the mat and submitted the Frenchman within a minute to end a dominant contest.
Avenging a unanimous decision loss to Justin Gaethje for the UFC Interim lightweight championship this past January, this victory now puts ‘The Baddy’ back on the upward trajectory for a shot at the title.
Pimblett Claims Weight Gain Won’t Affect His UFC Career
Pimblett faced questions about his ability to compete at the highest level, with his fluctuations in weight between fights attracting criticism.
Though it hasn’t seemed to be a problem during his UFC career, having beaten the likes of Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson, with Pimblett going on record to say: “I’d rather be fat and happy than have a six pack. This six pack is sound, I look great, but I’d rather be fat and happy.”
It’s been less than three weeks since Paddy’s victory, but he’s already ballooned up in weight to the point where he almost looks like a different person. The 31-year-old revealed the drastic transformation in photos posted to Instagram.
Paddy Pimblett’s Body Transformation After UFC 329
Flying to Malaga, Spain with family and friends, a far heavier Paddy, with a fully fleshed out face, looked to be enjoying himself and reaping the rewards of his victory, and fans were quick to point out the dramatic difference in his physique.
“Eventually that s*** is gonna catch up to him,” declared one reply.
“Bro looks like he ate his old self,” wrote another, with a third stating: “He’s not gonna have a long career.”
Others, though, came to the Brit’s defence: “I still wouldn’t want to fight a fat Paddy,” reasoned one poster, with another chiming in: “He’s disciplined as f*** when it’s time to go.”
Mark J. Rebilas via Imagn Images
Pimblett insists that his fluctuation in weight has never caused a problem for himself or the UFC as he has always managed to make weight. Addressing this in a video posted to his YouTube channel, Pimblett said:
“I am the GOAT of weight cutting. You’ve got to be disciplined all the way through camp. Every single time I step in that cage I make weight.”
Yet, Paddy’s strength and conditioning coach, Paul Reed, believes that putting on weight in between fights will hinder him when it comes to top-level fights and has done all he can to try and convince his fighter not to be too reckless with his calorie consumption.
Reed said: “When you’ve done it badly as Paddy has in the past, he knows that he’s doing it differently; we’ve got some structure to it, and with that he’s always going to be happy.”
No date has yet been confirmed for Pimblett’s next fight. However, judging by his current physique, he isn’t planning a quick return to the Octagon.
Arsenal are in advanced talks with Newcastle United over a deal to sign Bruno Guimaraes, according to talkSPORT.
The Gunners have made the Brazil international a top target for this window as they look to bolster their midfield following their Premier League title win, and talks have been ongoing behind the scenes for a number of weeks.
But with Guimaraes due to report back to training with the Magpies later this week, Arsenal have stepped up their interest in getting a deal done, and talks have progressed in recent days.
Arsenal Close in on Bruno Guimaraes Deal
via Reuters
According to a report, Arsenal and Newcastle are now in advanced talks over a deal for Guimaraes.
The central midfielder, who has been described as ‘elite’, has told Newcastle chiefs that he would like to leave the club to push through a move to the champions, but the Magpies have been adamant that they would not be bullied into selling another star, after Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali both moved on earlier in the window.
Arsenal were initially confident they could get a deal done for around £60m, but it’s now believed that talks have progressed and they are edging towards a verbal agreement worth in excess of £75m.
The 28-year-old midfielder has already agreed personal terms ahead of a switch to the Emirates Stadium, and now looks set to become the next big departure at St James’ Park.
Arsenal are hopeful of striking a full agreement with Newcastle before the end of the week, with the player due to return to pre-season training before the month ends.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Arsenal Making Moves in the Market
REUTERS/Phil Noble via Action Images
Arsenal have been very keen to make a number of additions to their squad this summer as they look to refresh their options, and Guimaraes is one of the best signings they could make.
A combative midfielder with leadership and Premier League experience, he is comfortable in possession and out of it, and will help to take the team to the next level, while also helping to allow players like Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi to be rotated without the quality of the team dropping.
It may be an expensive deal, but it’s one that will take them even closer to glory, and Newcastle now must lick their wounds and begin looking for replacements once again.
The Japanese international has interest from around Europe and in the Premier League, and he is interested in returning to England after leaving Ajax this summer.
Tomiyasu left Arsenal in the summer of 2025 after they agreed to mutually terminate his contract a year early.
The now-27-year-old has struggled with knee injuries, and his ability to play for Arsenal was limited.
Takehiro Tomiyasu joined Ajax in December on a six-month deal, featuring just nine times for the club during the second half of last season.
Cristiano Ronaldo is being lined up for a shock new job as the end of his illustrious football career edges closer.
One of the greatest footballers of all time, the 41-year-old remains prolific with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia but may call time on his international career in the coming months after competing in his last World Cup finals.
Ronaldo scored three goals at the 2026 World Cup in North America but struggled to make his presence felt in several matches as Portugal were knocked out in the last 16 by eventual champions Spain.
That match will be played at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, home of Ronaldo’s boyhood club Sporting CP.
Ronaldo Set For Surprise New Job
Reuters/Maria Lysaker
While there are no suggestions that Ronaldo is planning on announcing his retirement from the sport in the near future, the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend appears to be thinking about life after football for the first time.
According to The Sun, Ronaldo is working on a project that will see him star in a major new drama series about football.
He’s reportedly the executive producer of the show about a fictional agent, played by British actor Damian Lewis, star of various major movies and television series including Homeland.
Filming has already started, with Lewis recently seen at Barnet FC’s stadium in north-west London.
A TV insider told The Sun: “It’s likely to spark a bidding war between the streamers.
“The sheer calibre of figures behind it, not to mention the cast, means it’s a prestige project – albeit a surprising one for Ronaldo as he crosses into making dramas.”
Lewis, 55, will play the role of a top football agent called Stanley Dalton. Day 1s is based on a concept devised by real-life agent Darren Dein, another of the show’s executive producers who represents Henry in real life.
“After the World Cup, there’s a renewed international interest, particularly in the States, in British football,” the TV insider added. “It’s one that’s been growing for some time with shows like Ted Lasso.
“But this isn’t a sitcom. It’s definitely a drama, with some comedic elements, and has some serious names backing it.”
The show will be made by the newly-formed UR-Marv Studios, which Ronaldo runs alongside director Matthew Vaughn.
