UFC – A star talks about a fight against Benoît St-Denis: “It’s a…

By Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Sports journalist

With his three consecutive victories obtained over the last five months, Benoît Saint-Denis has attracted the attention of many international fans, but not only that. A leader in his category has just mentioned his case as well as a potential shock facing him.

Just a few months ago, the Top 15 lightweights seemed completely out of reach for him. Today, he is in 12th place in this ranking in which he still hopes to climb a lot. Benoît Saint-Denis has experienced a meteoric rise in the UFC during 2023, for which he can thank his recent activity. Indeed, his three fights fought in the space of four months helped him a lot.

Since his victory over Ismael Bonfim on July 1, the Frenchman has had two other successes, including the latest against the formidable Matt Frevola at UFC 295. It is therefore quite logical that he inherited a place in the ranking of his category, which now allows him to dream big. Because failing to interest the champion Islam Makhachevhe could still compete against some pretty names very soon.

A -70kg figure ready to face Benoît Saint-Denis

Ambitious as possible, Saint-Denis is not closing any doors regarding its future and the next poster in which it will take part. Following his last victory, he did not deprive himself of challenge several lightweight stars, including Beneil Dariush. A recent guest on Submission Radio, the latter was invited to designate potential adversaries who might interest him… and quoted the Nîmes himself:

I am no longer in a position where I can afford to pick my battles. Before, I could clamor to fight for the belt and face the best in the division, but now that’s not the case. So you know what? This Benoît Saint-Denis is another option. I’ve seen a few of his fights, and honestly, I think he’s really impressive.

Former member of the -70kg Top 4, Dariush was recently ejected due to his defeat against Arman Tsarukyan. He nonetheless remains a reference in the division, which he joined in January 2014 and in which he has already won 16 victories. Suffice to say that his reputation within the federation is well established, and that a duel against him is enough to make BSD’s mouth water.

The idea also seems to please fans, who immediately called for this confrontation following the American’s recent setback. Whether it could also intrigue UFC matchmakers and when it could be implemented remains to be seen. Given the current good health of the two main players involved, a shock between now and March or April, potentially for the next UFC Paris, cannot be ruled out.

Obviously less demanding regarding the prestige of his opponents following his two consecutive losses, Beneil Dariush says he is open to a fight against Benoît Saint-Denis. A pole that the Frenchman and his clan could happily grab!