With Christos Giagos out of his lightweight fight with Benoit St. Denis at UFC Paris, the UFC had brought in Brazilian Gabriel Miranda on short notice.
In terms of name recognition, it was a downgrade, but for St. Denis, he was no doubt thrilled just to remain on the Paris card, which marked the promotion’s debut in France.
St. Denis fired right away with a nasty kick to the body. Miranda was forced to shoot and St. Denis defended. Miranda shot again and got it down but not for long. Both guys started throwing caution to the wind. St. Denis landed a spinning elbow a few times and Miranda was landed as well with his hands. St. Denis changed the pace with a good takedown. Miranda wouldn’t let St. Denis pass the guard standing and the ref stood them up. St. Denis powered forward with pressure and output and dropped Miranda with a big right hand. Miranda in trouble but survived the onslaught. St. Denis let Miranda back to his feet and bombed Miranda with a flurry dropping him again. With seconds left St. Denis landed nasty hammer fist but the bell saved Miranda.
In round two St. Denis was on a mission and charged at Miranda with punches. He floored Miranda with a right hand and this time the follow-up shots sent the ref in.
SAINT-DENIS GETS IT DONE IN FRONT OF THE HOME CROWD 🇫🇷#UFCParis pic.twitter.com/bMgzycuU5O
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 3, 2022
Benoit St. Denis def. Gabriel Miranda by TKO (right hand and ground and pound), round 2, 0:16
