Benoit Saint Denis vs. Paddy Pimblett: UFC 329 Betting Odds, Prediction

A pair of top-10 lightweights clash in the co-main event of UFC 329 on Saturday, with Benoit Saint Denis taking on Paddy Pimblett.

This is a crucial positioning match as each fighter looks for a chance to face newly crowned lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.

Saint Denis is a -150 favourite to win on the UFC 329 odds, while Pimblett is a +125 underdog.

Benoit Saint Denis UFC 329 Odds

Saint Denis (17-3, one no contest) burst onto the UFC scene in 2021, earning first or second round finishes in five of his first six fights. A former French Army Special Forces soldier, the 30-year-old is 9-3 in the Octagon and only his first fight went the distance.

“God of War” has turned it up another notch since linking up with head coach Nicolas Ott, winning his last four fights over Kyle Prepolec, Mauricio Ruffy, Beneil Dariush and Dan Hooker, all by stoppage.

In fact, Saint Denis’ relentless and aggressive attack has led to all 17 of his career victories coming by either knockout or submission. I worry that his ultra aggressive style will come back to bite him when he inevitably earns a title shot and has to go five rounds, but I can’t go against him in a three-rounder.

Paddy Pimblett UFC 329 Odds

Pimblett (23-4) became an instant fan favourite when he made his UFC debut in 2021, winning and securing Performance of the Night bonuses his first three fights. The 31-year-old Liverpool native is also a former Cage Warriors featherweight champion.

This fight will be interesting as “Paddy the Baddy’s” first bounce back opportunity.  Pimblett won his first seven UFC fights before a unanimous decision loss against Gaethje for the interim lightweight belt in January, which ended a nine-fight win streak overall.

Pimblett’s best attribute is his durability and he’s shown when he has the right game plan, he can be dangerous in every facet of the fight. He got away from that against Gaethje and it cost him. We’ll see if “the Baddy” learned his lesson.

UFC 329 Prediction: Saint Denis vs. Pimblett

Both these fighters have defensive liabilities that can be taken advantage of. I lean Saint Denis because his power offers more upside, but I’m expecting this fight to be close and highly entertaining.

Prediction: Saint Denis wins by KO/TKO (+300)