Benoit Saint-Denis has amassed an impressive 8-3 record in the UFC, with his only losses at lightweight against Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano.
The former French Special Forces soldier returns to the Octagon at UFC 325 just two months after his stunning 16-second KO of Beneil Dariush and right into a matchup against #6-ranked Dan Hooker.
“We were pretty surprised by the timing of the fight, but knowing it’s next to his country made it clearer why they wanted him to fight there,” BSD said during the card’s media day this week. “I had already in my mind put the switch back on, because BSD and Dan Hooker, you need no promotion. It’s gonna be a scrap.”
The fight has major implications in the lightweight division, which has been stagnant with similar names at the top. Saint-Denis has slowly risen through the ranks impressively, with devastating finishes behind him. If Saint-Denis were to win, he would be closing in on a big title opportunity.
“It’s a huge fight, I do expect that the winner of this fight is gonna be top 5.”
Saint-Denis continued, “Yeah, of course. I’m interested in the two most violent belts of the UFC, which in my mind are the lightweight undisputed title and the BMF.”
After hearing Hooker talk about his lack of knockout power, the Frenchmen reminded everyone why he is in the co-main event of UFC 325.
“He’s gonna find out Saturday. I don’t know how many knockouts he has in the UFC, but I have four with an 100% finish rate. I think he knows it’s gonna be something, and I think I will fight the best version of him.”
Even though it came just two months after his last fight, he couldn’t pass up the chance to climb the ranks against an exciting opponent like Hooker. Saint-Denis sees no purpose in trash talk for this fight. He feels the fight inside the cage will weigh heavier than anything the two could say to each other.
“When we both had the offer, we had no doubt. It’s also a sport of opportunity and timing, so let’s go.”
“I expect respect, and he knows it’s gonna be a battle inside the Octagon, so nothing special. Just let’s go, and I want to fight the best version of him. Same for me, so let’s see who’s gonna be the winner.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Benoit Saint-Denis above. He challenges Dan Hooker in the co-main event at UFC 325 on Saturday night.
