Paddy Pimblett Matchup at UFC 329 and Staph Infection Rumor Addressed by Benoit Saint-Denis

Benoit Saint-Denis clears the air around potential staph infection putting the Paddy Pimblett matchup at UFC 329 under doubt.

Paddy Pimblett Matchup at UFC 329 and Staph Infection Rumor Addressed by Benoit Saint-Denis

Benoit Saint-Denis vs. Paddy Pimblett fight (via MMA Fighting, MMA Mania)

Paddy Pimblett‘s UFC rise stalled after the Liverpudlian suffered a unanimous decision loss to Justin Gaethje in their UFC 324 interim title fight. He now returns against Benoit Saint-Denis in the UFC 329 co-main event, seeking to rebound from that setback. Recent images raised concerns over an alleged staph infection, but the French contender has since clarified the speculation surrounding his condition.

Saint-Denis has enjoyed an impressive run at lightweight since his September 2024 loss to Renato Moicano, which ended via a doctor’s stoppage following a serious injury. The French contender has since rebuilt his momentum, entering UFC 329 on a four-fight winning streak. He recently defeated lightweight mainstay Dan Hooker at UFC 325, further establishing himself as a leading contender in the division.

Pimblett represents one of the toughest tests of Saint-Denis’ lightweight resurgence heading into UFC 329. Recent footage, including UFC Embedded episodes, showed a visible mark on the French contender’s right leg during fight week. Online speculation suggested it was a staph infection. However, Saint-Denis has since addressed the situation and dismissed those claims, explaining that it was not an infection.

No, I don’t have staph. Things can move very quickly on social media now, and it gets a bit ridiculous. I did have a scab on my foot, yes, but it’s not staph. That’s all it was. These are things that can happen. But the camp was managed very well. The fatigue was managed very well too.

Benoit Saint-Denis via RMC Sport Combat

Saint-Denis has previously dealt with a confirmed staph infection during his UFC career. The issue gained attention after the French lightweight shared images showing a staph infection on his forehead following his knockout loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 299. That earlier case fueled fresh speculation before UFC 329.

The UFC 299 incident drew widespread attention after details of Saint-Denis’s staph infection became public. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly praised the lightweight for competing despite the severe infection. He also recognized the UFC lightweight star’s previous service in France’s special forces.

Saint-Denis has maintained that the staph infection significantly affected his performance against Dustin Poirier at UFC 299. However, the former interim lightweight champion rejected that explanation, urging the French contender to accept the defeat and use it as a learning experience instead.

Ahead of UFC 329, Poirier and UFC welterweight veteran Jorge Masvidal offered contrasting predictions for Saint-Denis against Paddy Pimblett. Poirier backed Pimblett to defeat the French contender, while Masvidal predicted Saint-Denis would dominate the matchup and continue his lightweight surge.

UFC 329 presents Benoit Saint-Denis with a major opportunity to strengthen his lightweight title ambitions. BSD will take every precaution to avoid another staph infection. However, it remains to be seen whether the ‘God of War’ can defeat Paddy Pimblett and move closer to title contention.

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Paddy Pimblett questions arch-rival’s activity outside the UFC

Arman Tsarukyan has become one of Real American Freestyle’s busiest competitors, making six appearances under the promotion since January 2026. The Armenian star has remained unbeaten throughout that stretch, balancing his wrestling commitments alongside his pursuit of a UFC title opportunity.

Tsarukyan most recently competed at RAF 10, where he dominated UFC legend Tony Ferguson with a 10-0 tech fall victory. He now prepares to headline RAF 11 against former interim UFC welterweight title challenger Colby Covington in another high-profile wrestling matchup.

Paddy Pimblett is famous in Korea
Paddy Pimblett is famous in Korea ( via SPORTbible)

Dana White has repeatedly denied Tsarukyan another lightweight title opportunity following several controversial incidents. His withdrawal from UFC 311, a fan altercation before UFC 300, and a headbutt incident before UFC Qatar all damaged his standing despite his remaining a top-ranked contender.

Paddy Pimblett has long criticized Tsarukyan’s career, with the pair frequently exchanging barbs through interviews and social media. The Liverpudlian has now questioned Tsarukyan’s activity outside the UFC, citing his repeated appearances under the RAF banner rather than competing inside the Octagon.

Pimblett’s remarks also targeted Dan Hooker, Tsarukyan’s only UFC victory during the past two years. Hooker and the Liverpudlian have traded personal shots in recent months across interviews. Pimblett’s latest comments further intensified his rivalry with Tsarukyan and took aim at the New Zealander.

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