Paddy Pimblett’s opponent forced to shut down infection fears just days before UFC 329 clash

Benoit Saint Denis has played down suggestions he has a staph infection ahead of his clash with Paddy Pimblett.

Pimblett will make his eagerly anticipated return in an enthralling clash with top-10 ranked Saint Denis in Las Vegas at UFC 329 this weekend.

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The pair have now touched down in Sin City with their lightweight showdown just days away.

However fears have emerged from the MMA community that the bout could be called off at last minute.

Fans spotted a mark on Saint Denis’ foot during training footage, which they suspected may be a staph infection.

A staph infection is a bacterial skin infection that is often contagious in combat sports particularly MMA given the high amount of skin-to-skin contact.

Saint Denis has actually dealt with this exact condition in the past, admitting he fought through a defeat to Dustin Poirier carrying one.

But this time the Frenchman has stated the claims are ridiculous, and alleviated fears he may have to make a late withdrawal.

He explained: “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.”

Saint Denis is gunning instead to hand a huge blow to Pimblett and condemn him to back-to-back defeats.

Pimblett wants McGregor after Saint Denis

A victory for Pimblett to bounce back after defeat to Justin Gaethje would be a huge boost to continue to harbour his title ambitions.

But unsurprisingly, it is the big name money fight that appeals to the Liverpudlian.

McGregor remains the biggest superstar on the UFC roster, and victory over Max Holloway in his own comeback fight on the bill could set up a blockbuster meeting.

And ‘The Baddy’ is keen to tee up an octagon barnburner, but knows there are hurdles to jump through first.

He explained: “If McGregor wins and I win, I want to fight again before the end of the year.

UFC Schedule

The UFC, on average, puts on 13 to 14 premium events in a calendar year, with up to 30 smaller ‘Fight Night’ cards allowing prospects and less experienced fighters to showcase their talents.

On January 1, 2026, Dana White’s promotion signed a seven-year broadcast deal with CBS and Paramount+ for exclusive rights in the US, meaning the UFC has put on shows like never before this year.

With the historic first event in the new Paramount era, UFC 324, delivering huge success, and a one-of-a-kind fight card at the White House in June opening up the UFC to a new audience, the promotion remains a premium global sports brand, and fans are eager to keep track of results and upcoming fights.

There are still several blockbuster shows and exciting contests for fight fans to look forward to in 2026, and you can find the full list of all confirmed events and official bouts as part of talkSPORT.com’s UFC schedule.

“I’ll fight him at welterweight in MSG. Something like that?

“We’ve got to let everything unfold. You don’t know what’s going to happen. Conor’s got to beat Max, I’ve got to beat BSD.

“Anything can happen, as we know. In fighting sports, one punch can change the whole realm of the game.

“The butterfly effect, it can change everything for every other opponent.”