The City of Lights is about to get a whole lot brighter. UFC Paris is set to feature a sizzling lightweight showdown this September. Rising star Renato Moicano will face off against hometown hero Benoit Saint-Denis. It’s like a classic tale of the visitor versus the local but with more punching.
This matchup is a chance for Moicano to shine on the big stage. For Benoit Saint-Denis, it’s a homecoming party. Moicano comes into this fight riding high on a three-fight winning streak. He’s been climbing up the ranks lately. His latest victory was a TKO over Jalin Turner at UFC 300.Â
On the other hand, Saint-Denis is looking to bounce back from a recent loss. He fell to Dustin ‘Diamond’ Poirier at UFC 299 in March. However, he had an exceptional knockout victory against Matt Frevola before that. Moreover, he has finished all of the fights he won in the UFC, indicating an exciting showdown next.
This main event is scheduled for five rounds. That’s 25 minutes of potential chaos in the octagon. A win in Paris could launch either fighter into the division’s elite ranks. The fight is set for September 28 at the Accor Arena. That gives both fighters plenty of time to prepare. The rest of the UFC Paris card is still in shape, but with this main event locked in, it’s already looking like a must-watch show.
Benoit Saint-Denis is still holding on to the dream of becoming a champion
Benoit Saint-Denis was allegedly one win away from a title shot. He lost it when Dustin Poirier stopped him in his tracks. However, the French UFC lightweight was eyeing a comeback tour on European soil. Saint-Denis wasn’t wallowing in his loss. Instead, he’s chomping at the bit to get back in the octagon.
Benoit Saint-Denis ( via DNA)The Frenchman had his sights set on two potential venues: Manchester and Paris. Saint-Denis wasn’t picky about which city gets to host him. He was leaving that up to his manager and the UFC to decide. What he is particular about, though, is his goal to become the undisputed lightweight champion.
I want to climb the rankings and get at the top… In my last fight, I had a lot of stuff going on, but I’m more determined than ever to become the champion. I need to work a lot and I’m ready to do it… I’m just waiting for the next opportunity.
Benoit Saint-Denis via MMA Fighting
Benoit Saint Denis eyes UFC fights in Manchester and Paris, ‘more determined than ever to become the champion’ https://t.co/pJyTQfxzNt
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) May 29, 2024
The French fighter also dreamed big when it came to potential opponents. He rattled off names like Islam Makhachev and Justin Gaethje, but he knew he needed to win those top-tier fights. Saint-Denis has fond memories of fighting in Paris. He scored a TKO win over Thiago Moises there in 2023. With the next event locked for Saint-Denis at the same arena, he would look for a similar outcome against Renato Moicano.
