Benoit Saint-Denis has amassed an impressive 8-3 record in the UFC, with his only losses coming at lightweight to 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 straight into a match against #6-ranked Then Hooker.
“We were quite surprised by the timing of the fight, but knowing it was 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 turned the switch back on in my mind, because BSD and Dan Hooker don’t need promotion. It’s going to be a scrap.”
The fight has major implications for the lightweight division, which has been stagnant with similar names at the top. Saint-Denis has slowly risen through the ranks in impressive fashion, with devastating finishes behind him. If Saint-Denis were to win, he would be closing in on a major title opportunity.
“It’s a huge fight, I expect the winner of this fight to finish in the top 5.”
Saint-Denis continued: “Yes, of course. I am interested in the two most violent titles of the UFC, which in my opinion are the lightweight undisputed title and the BMF.”
After hearing Hooker talk about his lack of knockout power, the French reminded everyone why he’s competing in the co-main event of UFC 325.
“He’ll find out on Saturday. I don’t know how many knockouts he has in the UFC, but I have four with a 100% finish rate. I think he knows it’s going to be something, and I think I’ll be fighting the best version of him.”
Even though it was only two months after his last fight, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to move up the ranks against an exciting opponent like Hooker. Saint-Denis sees no point in nonsense talk for this fight. He feels the cage fight will outweigh anything the two could say to each other.
“When we both got the offer, we had no doubts about it. It’s also a sport of opportunity and timing, so let’s go.”
“I expect respect, and he knows it’s going to be a fight inside the Octagon, so nothing special. Let’s just go, and I want to fight the best version of him. The same goes for me, so let’s see who comes out on top.”
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.
#Benoit #SaintDenis #thinks #dont #promotion #fight #Dan #Hooker #scrap