UFC 329: Paddy Pimblett makes title claim with 52-second win

Earlier, Luke Riley, who trains with Pimblett at Liverpool’s Next Generation gym, opened the preliminary card in stunning fashion.

Making just his third appearance under the UFC banner, Riley, 27, extended his perfect record to 14 victories with a TKO victory over Kai Kamaka III.

The UFC has put a lot of faith in Riley – handing him a co-main event slot at UFC London in March – and he continued to deliver.

Riley dropped Kamaka with a heavy right late in round one before forcing the referee to step in after unloading with knees and punches.

“My past two fights I’ve been very harsh on myself but I’m very happy with this one,” Riley said.

“When I hit someone it’s bedtime – they are going for a nap.”

But Lone’er Kavanagh’s hopes of climbing up the flyweight rankings took a hit as he fell to a submission loss in a chaotic contest with Brandon Royval.

The Londoner dropped Royval early in round two after landing a looping right but was unable to get the finish as he emptied the tank against the durable American.

Royval recovered quickly and gained control in the third, taking Kavanagh’s back before sinking in a rear naked choke.

Kavanagh, 27, had hopes of earning a title shot with victory, having upset former two-time champion Brandon Moreno in March, but will have to reset after his second loss in five fights since signing with the UFC.