Benoit Saint Denis desires to restart his climb to the highest of the light-weight division, and is hoping to combat twice on European soil in 2024.
The French light-weight, who not too long ago misplaced to Dustin Poirier at UFC 299, returned to competitors on Might 18 in his native Paris with a unanimous determination win over fellow UFC fighter Marc Diakiese in a grappling contest at ADXC 4. Talking with MMA Preventing forward of the match, Saint Denis mentioned, “I need to keep lively and I need to combat as quickly as potential.”
“I don’t know if it’s going to be [Manchester on July 27 at UFC 304], I don’t know if it’s going to be Paris [on Sept. 28],” Saint Denis mentioned. “However my supervisor is doing nice work, he’s working with the UFC to seek out one of the best place for me to compete. And I need to climb the rankings and get on the high. I really feel like I do belong there. … In my final combat, I had quite a lot of stuff occurring, however I’m extra decided than ever to turn out to be the champion. I have to work so much and I’m able to do it. I’m on my method. I’m simply ready for the following alternative.”
Saint Denis fought on the primary card of UFC Paris in 2023 and beat Thiago Moises through second-round TKO. He loves the thought of as soon as once more getting into the octagon in France.
“If I will be on each playing cards, I will likely be on each playing cards,” Saint Denis mentioned. “If it’s going to be simply Paris, it’s nice as effectively. It’s an incredible alternative. I simply need to combat. I simply need to present that I’m one of the best. And for that, I want a tricky opponent. So I’m ready for the UFC to work with my supervisor to discover a matchup that everyone will need to see, and that may show who’s the following future contender.”
Saint Denis completed 5 opponents in a row after reducing right down to light-weight earlier than his loss to Poirier. Now he desires UFC to throw the highest-ranked athlete potential in entrance of him, so he can show he’s a drive to be reckoned with within the division.
“The names which can be fascinating to me essentially the most are so as of the location: [Islam] Makhachev No. 1, [Arman] Tsarukyan No. 2, Justin Gaethje, Poirier, all these guys,” Saint Denis mentioned. “However, in fact, it is advisable earn that. I’ll combat anyone that the UFC goes to provide me, however I need to combat as excessive as potential.”
Poirier earned a shot at 155-pound champion Makhachev on June 1 at UFC 302 after his win over Saint Denis.
Saint Denis likes Poirier’s possibilities, however finally sees Makhachev as the favourite to win.
“It’s an incredible combat,” Saint Denis mentioned. “Dustin Poirier is a really composed and skilled fighter. I do imagine he has boxing on his facet, however Makhachev may be very well-rounded. I do imagine he has watched my combat in opposition to Poirier, in addition to Dustin’s combat with [Charles] Olivera. Everyone is aware of what the sport plan goes to be. It’s going to be Makhachev making an attempt to submit Poirier, and Poirier making an attempt to knock out Makhachev.
“Makhachev [has] a bit extra choices. Makhachev can knock out or submit Poirier. However I see Poirier solely having the knockout win ultimately, and decision-wise, I additionally see Makhachev having the physicality to dominate the combat if it goes lengthy. We are going to see who will win this combat. It’s an fascinating combat anyway.”
Trending Merchandise
