Windsor, Ontario’s Kyle Prepolec, while fighting on Canadian soil at UFC 315, had the unenviable task of facing hard-hitting French lightweight Benoit Saint-Denis on short notice to open Saturday’s Pay-Per-View card.
Prepolec had stepped up to replace Joel Alvarez, who had withdrawn due to injury barely a week out from the fight. In doing so, he was returning to the UFC for the first time since 2019, when he went 0-2 for the promotion. As for Saint-Denis, while coming off two losses, those had come against serious lightweight players Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano.
In the first fifteen seconds, Saint-Denis landed a well timed takedown. Almost immediately imploring his gameplan, Saint-Denis threatened a Kimura before transitioning to back control. Prepolec seemed to have no answer for the grappling of the French contender who remained in top control. Prepolec scrambled to his feet before Saint-Denis dragged him back to the floor. With over four minutes of control time in the round, Saint-Denis almost secured a standing rear naked choke at the bell. This round could have easily been scored 10-8.
Prepolec landed a thunderous left hand to start round two that go the attention of Saint-Denis. Benoit stormed forward landing a few solid shots in the clinch before Prepolec accidently poked him in the eye. When action resumed Prepolec landed a few straight left hands as Saint-Denis continued to move forward. Turning into a fire fight both competitors laid it on the line throwing caution to the wind against the cage. Elbows from Saint-Denis opened a cut over Prepolec’s forehead. Benoit was able to land a takedown an secure an arm triangle submission in round two. A very impressive victory, as his original opponent Joel Alvarez is likely next for Saint-Denis. Their were some moments defensively that Saint-Denis will have to sure up before competing against the division’s elite. The pace and pressure of Benoit is elite and he showcased his toughness again in this win over Kyle Prepolec.
Official Result: Benoit Saint-Denis def. Kyle Prepolec via R2 SUB (Arm Triangle), 2:35
