New York, NY — It took French lightweight Benoit Saint-Denis just sixteen seconds to knock out Beneil Dariush at UFC 322 on Saturday.
Now, the “God of War,” a former French paratrooper, has his sights set on bigger goals. Primarily, a top five opponent, and perhaps a chance at the UFC’s “BMF” title.
“Of course I want to fight somebody in the top five. As [for] the BMF and the lightweight belt, they’re the two belts I have my eyes on,” Saint-Denis (16-3, 1NC) said backstage at Madison Square Garden, speaking with media outlets including Cageside Press. “I want to make this division the greatest again, like it’s supposed to be.”
Charles Oliveira has also been petitioning for a shot at “BMF” champ Max Holloway as well (if you don’t know what “BMF” stands for in this case by now, we’ll let you search that out on your own). So what case can BSD make to jump the line?
“A 100% finish rate, against such a veteran,” he suggested. “I guarantee war, but I think Oliveira and Holloway does the same though. Let’s see, but it’s guaranteed war whoever you choose.”
As for Beneil Dariush, who protested Saturday’s stoppage but did appear to be out, Benoit Saint-Denis paid him nothing but respect. “Dariush is an inspiration. I haven’t done what he has done yet. I want to do a career as good or even better,” he stated. As for the final blow, “I had a hesitation before the last shot, because I knew he was out. Obviously it was not clear for everyone.”
Watch the full UFC 322 post-fight press conference with Benoit Saint-Denis above.
