Lightweights Dan Hooker and Benoit Saint-Denis faced off in the UFC 325 co-main event in Sydney, Australia, with France’s BSD in enemy territory.
The #8-ranked lightweight, however, had the edge in momentum, having won his last two fights. Hooker, for his part, was looking to bounce back from a loss to Arman Tsarukyan in the fall.
Saint-Denis began shooting takedowns to start the opening frame as Hooker defended well. Hooker attempted a high head kick that was blocked, before Benoit attempted another takedown. Hooker reversed position and returned to the center of the cage, a good left hand landed for Saint-Denis, who forced the fight to the clinch moments later. A front kick up the middle snapped back the head of Saint-Denis as Hooker seemed to be finding a rhythm on the feet. Sensing danger, Saint-Denis landed a judo throw that saw him end up in north-south position. Returning to his feet with a minute left in the round, Hooker landed a good left hand on the inside before getting taken down for the third time in the round. Saint-Denis landed some good ground and pound putting a stamp on the first five minutes of action.
In the second, Saint-Denis immediately forced the fight to the fence as Hooker attempted a guillotine. Scrambling out of trouble, Benoit was able to secure top control and land multiple damaging 12-6 elbows that connected clean. Moving to side control, Saint-Denis threatened an arm triangle as Hooker seemed to be fading away. With two minutes left in the round Benoit was in complete control. Landing some more elbows on top, Hooker was now leaking blood from his eyes while fully mounted. Veteran referee Herb Dean was taking a close look at the action as Hooker absorbed another 25 consecutive strikes before the contest was stopped. A bloodbath between two of the best lightweights on the roster, Benoit Saint-Denis closed the show in impressive fashion.
Stopping “The Hangman” in his own country, Saint-Denis put on a performance fight fans won’t soon forget. In his post fight interview, the French standout and former special forces operator expressed interest in the BMF title. Saint-Denis has the most finishes on the roster since 2021 (9) and has as good of claim to BMF title contention as anyone in the division.
Official Result: Benoit Saint-Denis def. Dan Hooker by TKO, Round 2, 4:45
