Benoit Saint-Denis knows exactly what’s at stake at UFC 329, but don’t expect him to get caught looking past Paddy Pimblett.
Ahead of Saturday night’s lightweight showdown, “God of War” acknowledged the magnitude of the matchup while explaining why he refuses to discuss title shots before taking care of business inside the octagon.
“Not too much. I do believe I put myself in being in small group conversations and he was part of it. It’s a huge fight and I’m not underestimating him,” Saint-Denis told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“It’s a very tough game to have the same opportunity. You need to win a lot so this is what I have been doing. You have to win as much as possible, and the most impressive way possible. This is how you get your shots.”
Although a win over Pimblett could put him firmly in the lightweight title conversation, Saint-Denis isn’t interested in looking past the task in front of him. The French contender says he’ll let his performances do the talking before discussing championship opportunities.
“I never say anything before having my job done. First of all humility doing your job and then you can hear me loud and clear,” he said.
Saint-Denis has never hidden his desire to stay as active as possible, believing every trip to the octagon is another step toward UFC gold. As long as the promotion keeps calling, “God of War” says he’ll keep answering.
“I’m really blessed. I’m happy about it. I’m trying my best to enjoy being a warrior. This is my philosophy,” he told Cageside Press.
“I want to fight as much as possible, to win as much as possible, and to get closer and closer to my ultimate goal. Being the champion. This is what I do and the opportunity that is giving me the UFC as well. I do my best to give them the best performance possible every time.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Benoit Saint-Denis above. He faces Paddy Pimblett at UFC 329 on Saturday night.
