Benoit Saint Denis is ready to try again in the top 10 spots.
Three years ago, Saint Denis entered the scene with five consecutive wins in the busy lightweight division of the UFC. The French star was given a big step in the competition when he faced Dustin Poirier at UFC 299, and although he started strong, St. Dennis fell to the more experienced Poirier in round two.
Fast forward to UFC Paris. There, St. Dennis recorded a one-sided victory in obedience to Streak King Mauriciolafi. It’s now a succession of victory for St. Dennis, and I’m sure he’s right the ship after falling prey to bad habits early in his UFC career.
“I’m back at doing what I want to do,” St. Dennis said at an evening postwar press conference. “I lost myself before the battle at Dustin Poirier, and lost myself for a year in 2024. I’ve learned a lot, I’ve made a lot of mistakes and I think my head has grown. I had a lot of problems with myself.
“Now I’m back to it. I can’t wait to introduce it to the face of guys like Ahman (Tsarcan), (Dan) Hooker, (Matheus) Gumlot, guys like Top 10. I wanted to make Ehman vs Gumlot. No one rejects the plan. I’m back to my version.
St. Dennis roared the French crowd behind him at the Acor Arena, and he quickly fought Rafi and made the most of his support using his wrestling to force the Brazilian striker to deal with him on the mat. Raffy defended well, but could not prevent St. Dennis from repeatedly obtaining takedowns.
Saint Denis has confirmed that he respects his opponent’s skills as two of Ruffy’s three UFC fights were won by knockouts on the highlight reel.
“He knew it was dangerous at the counter,” St. Dennis said. “He’s also explosive with attacks. He’s one of his most dangerous enemies, and it’s the start of the round when he’s not particularly tired. I was just fighting in my style. I mixed it up, tired him, and I put him in my universe with the ‘God of War’.
Along with the Emperor, Hooker and Gumlot, St. Dennis added that he is excited to match his fan favorite Justin Gesche. In a postwar interview, St. Dennis said that even if he is sought for a short period of time, he is ready to book another match immediately if he opposes his top 10 opponent.
St. Dennis called his past a member of the French army and explained how he re-promoted his mind.
“I’ve returned to being a soldier in the cage,” Saint Dennis said. “Focus on camp, trained, you’re back to the God of War version. I’m just working on this every day, focusing on being the best fighter in the world.”