Paddy Pimblett vs Benoit Saint Denis should not be happening at UFC 329 argues legendary coach

Firas Zahabi wishes that the co-main event of UFC 329 was happening at a special event.

Conor McGregor returning following his failed comeback in 2024 was at all times going to lead to one in all the largest events of the yr.

‘The Notorious’ is sufficient to generate an enormous amount of interest all by himself, meaning the promotion didn’t have to stack this yr’s International Fight Week.

While Paddy Pimblett vs Benoit Saint Denis is an ideal co-main event for July 11, Zahabi would have preferred it if this matchup received its own highlight.

How will Paddy Pimblett vs. Benoit Saint-Denis play out at UFC 329?

Firas Zahabi says Paddy Pimblett vs Benoit Saint Denis is simply too good to not be a fundamental event

Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint Denis have a great likelihood of earning a bonus on account of the styles they carry to the Octagon.

While Firas Zahabi may be very excited for this fight, he has one issue with it that’s stopping it from being even higher.

The legendary coach of Georges St-Pierre acknowledged that while fans can expect to see quarter-hour of chaos, the matchup is solely too good to not be a fundamental event.

“I might have loved to see this as a five-rounder to be honest with you guys,” he said on the Tristar Gym YouTube channel. “A fundamental event five-rounder. This might have been a fundamental event by itself… I wish this fight got five rounds. Why? It’s too good of a fight. It’s too good of a fight. Two guys who should not scared to throw, who’re each super aggressive and are each amazing grapplers.”

While the UFC has placed on five-round non-title bouts within the co-main event of numbered cards previously, it has yet to do that as of 2026.

Outside of the highest two fights, who will steal the show at UFC 329?

UFC analyst Din Thomas highlighted Saint Denis’ defense when backing Pimblett to beat him for that reason.

While each men have had issues with this previously, Zahabi also believes that ‘The Baddy’ will get his hand raised for a similar reason.

The veteran trainer believes that Pimblett will give you the option to do more damage on the feet because he can take his opponent’s shots higher after watching the Brit’s loss to Justin Gaethje.