MMA News

Tag: Benoit Saint-Denis

  • UFC 329: Full Fight Card, Date, Time And Everything To Know About Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2

    UFC 329 is shaping up to be one of the biggest cards of the year, headlined by a long-awaited rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway.

    More than a decade after their first meeting, the two former champions will collide again, this time in a welterweight main event during International Fight Week.

    UFC 329: Date, Venue, And Start Time In The U.S.

    UFC 329 takes place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    The event will be broadcast on Paramount+, with the early prelims kicking off at 5 p.m. ET, followed by the prelims at 7 p.m. ET. The main card is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET.

    McGregor vs. Holloway 2 Headlines a Stacked Card

    The UFC 329 main event sees Conor McGregor return after a long layoff to face Max Holloway. Their first meeting took place on August 17, 2013, when ā€œThe Notoriousā€ secured a unanimous decision win early in his UFC run.

    The co-main event features Paddy Pimblett taking on Benoit Saint Denis in a crucial lightweight clash. Elsewhere on the card, Robert Whittaker makes his light heavyweight debut against Nikita Krylov. The event also features the highly anticipated UFC debut of Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson, who faces Elisha Ellison in a heavyweight bout.

    UFC 329 Main Card

    • Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway (Welterweight)
    • Paddy Pimblett vs. Benoit Saint Denis (Lightweight)
    • Cory Sandhagen vs. Mario Bautista (Bantamweight)
    • Brandon Royval vs. Lone’er Kavanaugh (Flyweight)
    • Gable Steveson vs. Elisha Ellison (Heavyweight)

    UFC 329 Preliminary Card

    • Robert Whittaker vs. Nikita Krylov (Light Heavyweight)
    • Luke Riley vs. Kai Kamaka III (Featherweight)
    • Damian Pinas vs. Cesar Almeida (Middleweight)
    • Cody Garbrandt vs. Adrian Yanez (Bantamweight)

    UFC 329 Early Prelims

    • Tracy Cortez vs. Wang Cong (Women’s Flyweight)
    • Ode Osbourne vs. Cody Durden (Flyweight)
    • Ryan Gandra vs. Zach Reese (Middleweight)
  • WATCH: UFC Star Paddy Pimblett Leaves British TikToker Gassed And Throwing Up After Sparring

    WATCH: UFC Star Paddy Pimblett Leaves British TikToker Gassed And Throwing Up After Sparring

    Paddy Pimblett recently gave a popular TikTok creator a harsh lesson inside the gym during a friendly sparring session.

    British influencer Dean Alex, who built a following online through bizarre fan-requested challenges and his viral catchphrase ā€œdo you not know who I am, kid?ā€, recently teamed up with Pimblett for a sparring session at Next Generation MMA in Liverpool.

    The collaboration came together after one of Alexā€™s followers challenged him to fight the UFC star.

    At the start of the session, Pimblett appeared to take it easy on the influencer. The former interim UFC lightweight title challenger was noticeably holding back early on and even allowed Alex to land a few shots during the exchange.

    During the spar, Pimblett eventually connected with a spinning elbow before following up with several additional strikes that visibly overwhelmed the TikToker.

    Moments later, Alex was seen running off the mat before eventually throwing up from exhaustion and the punishment he absorbed.

    The 31-year-old Liverpool native last competed at UFC 324 in January, where he challenged Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title. Pimblett ultimately dropped a unanimous decision, bringing his UFC record to 7-1.

    Before the setback against Gaethje, “The Baddy” had built serious momentum in the lightweight division with victories over names such as Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler, and King Green.

    Pimblett is now scheduled to return at UFC 329 on July 11 during International Fight Week, where heā€™ll face Benoit Saint Denis at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

  • Arman Tsarukyan Fires Back at Saint-Denis: “He Can Never Beat Me”

    Arman Tsarukyan Fires Back at Saint-Denis: “He Can Never Beat Me”

    Arman Tsarukyan has responded to Benoit Saint-Denis’ bold call-out following the Frenchman’s second-round TKO of Dan Hooker at UFC 325, and the Armenian contender was not impressed.

    Saint-Denis Called His Shot After UFC 325

    Saint-Denis rode a wave of momentum after demolishing Dan Hooker in Sydney, immediately setting his sights on the top of the lightweight division. The Frenchman declared he wanted “the BMF or the undisputed belt” and called out Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Ilia Topuria.

    But ‘God of War’ saved his most pointed remarks for Tsarukyan: “Arman as well. You say you’re the number one contender. I’m going to take your f***ing spot. I’m here to be the champion.”

    Tsarukyan’s Response Was Decisive

    When informed of Saint-Denis’ comments, Tsarukyan delivered a blunt dismissal via his Telegram channel, per Home of Fight:

    “For him to take my spot, he needs to beat me. But he can never beat me.”

    Tsarukyan has yet to have his next fight announced but remains hopeful of competing for the UFC lightweight title soon. The 29-year-old recently apologized publicly to Dana White and Hunter Campbell in an effort to secure a championship opportunity.

    Rankings Shake-Up Adds Fuel to the Fire

    Adding another layer to the situation, Gaethje’s interim title win at UFC 324 has pushed him to the front of the contender queue at lightweight, with Tsarukyan now positioned behind the interim champion in the title hierarchy.

    Saint-Denis, meanwhile, is riding a four-fight UFC win streak, with all of those victories coming by finish, and has now broken into the lightweight top ten. While he may not be next in line for a title shot, his surge through the rankings has made him a legitimate threat at 155 pounds.

    What’s Next at Lightweight?

    The UFC lightweight division is stacked with potential matchups. Ilia Topuria currently holds undisputed lightweight gold, while Justin Gaethje has claimed the interim title, setting the stage for a likely unification bout.

    Where Tsarukyan and Saint-Denis land on the board remains to be seen, but a matchup between the two could serve as a de facto No. 1 contender eliminator if the timing aligns.

  • “A Warrior” – Fighters & Fans React As Benoit Saint-Denis Brutally Smashes Dan Hooker En Route To TKO Win At UFC 325

    “A Warrior” – Fighters & Fans React As Benoit Saint-Denis Brutally Smashes Dan Hooker En Route To TKO Win At UFC 325

    The Australian crowd in Sydney was left in disappointed silence, as Benoit Saint-Denis brought the violence and left with a second-round finish in the co-main event of UFC 325.

    The two quickly got to striking, with Hooker even countering a takedown attempt into a brief guillotine attempt. Saint-Denis caught a kick and pressed Hooker into the fence, but Hooker did another guillotine counter. Hooker did damage with kicks to the body, but BSD managed to score a takedown late in the round, threatening a kimura, and busting Hooker open with a number of shots to the head.

    Hooker threatened a quick guillotine in a fast-paced start to the second round, but Saint-Denis continued to press forward. Hooker scored a takedown, but Saint-Denis smartly countered and quickly got into full mount, landing a strong series of elbows and threatening an arm-triangle choke. BSD got the choke locked in, but Hooker managed to defend it…only for Saint-Denis to land more ground-and-pound and bust Hooker open.

    After about a minute of strong ground-and-pound, referee Herb Dean waved the fight off with about 15 seconds left, giving the win to BSD.

    Benoit Saint-Denis Finds Takedown And Reversal, Scores Violent Finish At UFC 325

    Saint-Denis has now won four straight, a win streak that goes back to UFC 315 this past May. He is now 9-3 in the Octagon. He knocked out Beneil Dariush at UFC 322 prior to tonight.

    Hooker has now lost back-to-back fights after a three-fight win streak. He lost to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Qatar in November.

  • ‘Made It Look Easy’ – Fans & Fighters React As Benoit Saint-Denis Batters Beneil Dariush In 16 Seconds At UFC 322

    ‘Made It Look Easy’ – Fans & Fighters React As Benoit Saint-Denis Batters Beneil Dariush In 16 Seconds At UFC 322

    Benoit Saint-Denis is certainly going to be in the top 10 of the lightweight picture come the start of next week, needing just 16 seconds to stop Beneil Dariush at UFC 322.

    Dariush seemed to trip BSD up with a leg kick to start. But a follow-up clinch would see Saint-Denis land a pair of left hands, one of which caused Dariush to faceplant on the mat. BSD landed one more shot as referee Herb Dean stepped in to wave off the fight.

    Benoit Saint-Denis KOs Beneil Dariush In Mere Seconds At UFC 322

    https://twitter.com/imavov1/status/1989897735969894698?s=20
    https://twitter.com/PCStricklandMMA/status/1989897498459045910?s=20

    After a pair of losses in 2024, Saint-Denis won three fights in 2025, submitting Kyle Prepolec and Mauricio Ruffy earlier this year, too.

    Dariush, who missed weight by 1.2 pounds, has now lost three of his last four.

  • “Fraud Checked” – Fans & Fighters React As Benoit Saint Denis Dominates Mauricio Ruffy En Route To Second-Round Submission At UFC Paris

    “Fraud Checked” – Fans & Fighters React As Benoit Saint Denis Dominates Mauricio Ruffy En Route To Second-Round Submission At UFC Paris

    In front of his home country, Benoit Saint Denis may have scored the biggest victory in his MMA career, finishing the rising Mauricio Ruffy in the UFC Paris co-main event.

    Saint Denis got off to a quick start, pressuring Ruffy and getting him up against the fence. The action moved to the ground, and Saint Denis got into full mount just 60 seconds into the bout. Saint Denis looked to get to Ruffy’s back, but Ruffy shook him off and brought the fight back to the feet. BSD would bring the action back to the ground, keeping Ruffy in his grasp until an accidental low blow, and then controlling the action on the feet in the round’s final 40 seconds.

    BSD remained in firm control, scoring a takedown during the second round before locking in a rear-naked choke and scoring the submission.

    Benoit Saint Denis Submits Mauricio Ruffy At UFC Paris

    Saint Denis has now won two straight and seven of his last nine. This marked his second straight submission win, following his submission of Kyle Prepolec at UFC 315.

    This marks just the second loss of Ruffy’s professional MMA career. He was 3-0 in the UFC entering this fight, coming into tonight off a head-kick knockout of King Green at UFC 313.

  • ‘Slugfest’ – BenoĆ®t Saint Denis Puts On All-Around Display Against Short-Notice Opponent Kyle Prepolec

    ‘Slugfest’ – BenoĆ®t Saint Denis Puts On All-Around Display Against Short-Notice Opponent Kyle Prepolec

    Though it wasn’t the originally scheduled opponent for him in Joel Alvarez, BenoĆ®t Saint Denis made it a successful night against short-notice opponent Kyle Prepolec, scoring a submission in the opening bout of the UFC 315 pay-per-view.

    Saint Denis scored a takedown almost right away, using his pressure against the fence on Prepolec, who looked to keep a hold of a kimura lock. Saint Denis eventually got to Prepolec’s back and threatened a choke. Prepolec got back to his feet, but Saint Denis quickly returned him to the mat and locked a body triangle back in. Prepolec was able to get to his feet but wasn’t able to shake Saint Denis off of him, just able to hold on to the end of the round.

    Prepolec surprised with a left hand that caught Saint Denis’s attention, opening a mousse under one of Saint Denis’s eyes. Both men connected and quickly resulted in an exchange. Saint Denis loaded up, but Propolec got him in a body lock against the fence. Saint Denis landed hard with elbows and knees in close. Despite a brief move to the other side of the cage, Saint Denis continued to land in the clinch, including a number of hard elbows.

    Saint Denis then scored another takedown and quickly locked up an arm-triangle choke, scoring the second-round submission.

    BenoƮt Saint Denis Submits Kyle Propolec At UFC 315

    BSD rebounds from a two-fight losing skid, falling short to Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano last year. Prior to those losses, Saint Denis had a five-fight win streak going for him.

    Prepolec sees a three-fight win streak snapped but is still 4-2 in his last six. Prepolec fought in the UFC twice in 2019, losing to Nordine Taleb and Austin Hubbard.

  • ‘Looks Like He Fought 10 Rounds’ – MMA Fans React As Renato Moicano Disfigures BenoĆ®t Saint Denis In Brutal Beating At UFC Paris

    ‘Looks Like He Fought 10 Rounds’ – MMA Fans React As Renato Moicano Disfigures BenoĆ®t Saint Denis In Brutal Beating At UFC Paris

    BenoƮt Saint Denis was left with quite the battle scars on his face as the doctor stepped in to stop his UFC Paris fight with Renato Moicano.

    The Brazilian put on a completely dominating display in the opening round, taking the fight to the ground early and having over four minutes of control time there. He landed some vicious ground-and-pound on Saint Denis, busting up his face.

    Moicano appeared to take the second frame off, as Saint Denis pressed forward. The damage, however, was not getting any better.

    The doctor observed “God of War” and his severely swollen eyes after the second round, and it was determined that Saint Denis’ vision in his right eye was obscured, causing the fight to be waved off.

    BenoƮt Saint Denis Left Battered As Doctor Steps In To Stop UFC Paris Main Event vs. Renato Moicano

    Moicano has now won four straight and scored three finishes in this stretch. He called out Paddy Pimblett following the fight after “The Baddy” expressed interest in fighting him post-UFC 304 this past July.

    After winning 13 of 15 to start his MMA career, meanwhile, Saint Denis has now dropped back-to-back outings after previously getting finished by Dustin Poirier at UFC 299 in March.

  • Renato Moicano ‘Glad’ He Hasn’t Trained With Teammate Dustin Poirier For BenoĆ®t Saint Denis Fight

    Renato Moicano ‘Glad’ He Hasn’t Trained With Teammate Dustin Poirier For BenoĆ®t Saint Denis Fight

    Renato Moicano recently explained why he chose not to train with his teammate Dustin Poirier ahead of his upcoming bout against BenoƮt Saint Denis.

    “Money” is stepping into enemy territory as he gears up to face Saint Denis in a crucial lightweight clash, headlining UFC Fight Night Paris this weekend at the Accor Arena in France.

    Few know that Moicano hones his skills at the prestigious American Top Team (ATT), working under the guidance of Mike Brown, ‘Parrumpa’ and more capable coaches. His training partners include the highly regarded lightweights Poirier and Thiago Moises, both of whom have faced “God of War” in the octagon before.

    The 35-year-old Brazilian could have trained alongside “The Diamond”, who knocked out Saint Denis at UFC 299 this past March, but Moicano somehow did not get that chance…

    Moicano Reveals He Didn’t Want To Disrupt Poirier’s Time Off While Preparing For Saint Denis

    During a recent episode of his Show Me The Money podcast, Moicano discussed his preparation and training camp for the upcoming clash with Saint Denis. “Money” revealed that he spent considerable time training with Moises, gaining valuable insights that he plans to apply in this fight.

    “I trained a lot with Thiago Moises, and he told me that the guy is very strong, especially because he fought Benoit and then we trained together,” Moicano said. “We are both lightweights, of course, so he was telling me to be ready; he’s very strong. I’m not underestimating him; I know he’s tough, I know he’s strong. Dustin Poirier also gave me some tips, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. I have to go over there and do my job, and my job is to beat him.”

    Moicano further shared that he wasnā€™t able to train with Poirier for this fight, as the former UFC interim champion was coming off his own grueling bouts, and Moicano didnā€™t want to interrupt his time off. “Money” mentioned that he caught up with “The Diamond” during International Fight Week in June, where they exchanged strategies for dealing with Saint Denis.

    “I know he had a very hard training camp against Islam [Makhachev] and Benoit, and I didn’t want to bother him. Even though we talked in Las Vegas at the International Fight Week, and he was more than ready to come down and train with me to help me for the fight, he was on vacation or something. I said, ‘Hey, I’m not gonna message you; I’m not gonna be selfish and try to make him come to ATT just to train with me’ā€¦ I’m glad that I didn’t have to train with Dustin Poirier because he would beat my a**.”

    Moicano is currently riding a three-fight win streak, most recently securing a second-round TKO victory over Jalin Turner at UFC 300 this past April. Meanwhile, “God of War” saw his five-fight winning momentum come to an end at the hands of Poirier in his last appearance in the Octagon, and he will be eager to return to his victorious form.

  • UFC Full Fight: Relive Dustin Poirier’s Savage KO Of BenoĆ®t Saint Denis To Secure UFC 302 Title Shot

    UFC 302 headliner Dustin Poirier delivered a finish worthy of a surprise shot at championship glory at the expense of BenoƮt Saint Denis this past March.

    The former interim UFC lightweight champion will feature in the main event of this weekend’s pay-per-view card in Newark, New Jersey, where he’s tasked with bringing the reign of Islam Makhachev to an end in the Russian’s third defense.

    Poirier entered 2024 seemingly out of title contention following a knockout loss to Justin Gaethje last July. In his return to action at UFC 299 in Miami, however, “The Diamond” maintained his top five spot by turning away the challenge of one of the division’s most highly touted up-and-comers in Saint Denis.

    After a difficult first round that saw the Frenchman on top, Poirier showed that he’s far from lost a step by stopping “God of War” with strikes in the second. As it turns out, that win netted the Louisianan another opportunity at the belt thanks to results going his way at UFC 300 the following month.

    Ahead of Saturday’s event, the promotion has released the full Poirier vs. Saint Denis fight from UFC 299 on its official YouTube channel.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ciOQjock_g

    With that result being enough to book Poirier the next place opposite Makhachev inside the cage, “The Diamond” will look to replicate that performance in Miami to achieve undisputed glory this weekend.

    Should he achieve that feat, the Louisianan will have checked the final box in his illustrious career on MMA’s biggest stage.