With UFC Paris in the books, fans are already speculating about what’s next for the fighters involved and the UFC’s plans for future events in Europe
Benoit Saint Denis, despite his loss, remains a promising talent in the lightweight division and will look to bounce back stronger. Renato Moicano, on the other hand, is poised to make a push for a title shot, especially if he can string together a few more high-profile victories.
Brendan Allen will no doubt go back to the drawing board and work on refining his game as he continues his journey in the middleweight division.
Meanwhile, fighters like Chris Duncan, Bryan Battle, and Morgan Charriere have established themselves as rising stars to watch in their respective divisions.
As for the UFC, the success of the Paris event likely means more European cards in the coming months. With markets like London, Dublin, and Berlin also clamoring for events, the promotion is well-positioned to further expand its reach and deliver more unforgettable nights of MMA action.
UFC Paris lived up to its billing as a memorable and exciting event. From record-breaking gate revenues to highlight-reel finishes, the night had something for everyone. As the fighters recover and prepare for their next challenges, the event will be remembered as a significant milestone in the UFC’s ongoing European expansion.
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Table of Contents
Benoit Saint Denis vs. Renato Moicano: UFC Paris
UFC Paris delivered a thrilling night of mixed martial arts action, showcasing some of the best fighters in the lightweight and welterweight divisions.1
Held at the Accor Arena in Paris, France, on September 28, the event drew attention from fans worldwide and generated $4 million in gate revenue, making it the highest announced gate for the promotion’s non-Apex fight night events in 2024.
From spectacular knockouts to lightning-fast submissions, UFC Paris offered MMA enthusiasts a night to remember.
A Night of Knockouts, Submissions, and Record-Breaking Gate Revenue
- The main event of UFC Paris featured a highly anticipated lightweight showdown between Benoit Saint Denis and Renato Moicano.
- The bout promised to be a test of skill, endurance, and resilience for both fighters, and it delivered on all fronts. From the opening bell, the fighters engaged in a back-and-forth battle, trading strikes and testing each other’s defenses.
- Saint Denis, fighting in front of his home crowd, looked to make a statement with his aggressive approach and powerful striking combinations.
- However, Moicano’s experience and technical prowess shone through as he utilized his superior grappling and Muay Thai skills to control the pace of the fight.
- After two intense rounds, Moicano secured a TKO victory over Saint Denis, solidifying his place as one of the top contenders in the lightweight division.
- Despite his impressive win, Moicano did not receive a Performance of the Night (POTN) bonus, a decision that raised eyebrows among fans and analysts.
- Nevertheless, the victory was a significant moment for the Brazilian, who continues to climb the ranks and build his case for a future title shot.
Benoit Saint Denis vs. Renato Moicano: Headliner That Didn’t Disappoint
The co-main event featured a middleweight clash between Brendan Allen and Nassourdine Imavov.2
Allen entered the fight with the goal of securing his 13th win in the UFC, which would place him among the most successful fighters from Dana White’s Contender Series. However, Imavov, fighting in his home country, had other plans.
From the outset, Imavov employed his striking precision and movement to keep Allen at bay. Despite Allen’s attempts to close the distance and implement his grappling game, Imavov’s defense and counterstrikes proved too much for him.
The judges scored the fight in favor of Imavov, handing Allen a unanimous decision loss and putting a temporary halt to his rise in the middleweight division.
Allen’s record still stands as one of the best among his Contender Series peers, with 12 UFC victories. The setback against Imavov serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in the highly competitive middleweight division, where even the slightest misstep can derail a fighter’s momentum.
🍿 Nouvelle vidéo sur ma chaîne @YouTube 📺
❓ Je réponds à toutes vos questions ! ⤵️
🔗 https://t.co/GlgFEdWvea pic.twitter.com/Sg7KiTq8wI— Benoît « God of War » Saint Denis (@BenoitSt_Denis) September 23, 2024
The Financial Impact: UFC Paris Breaks Records
UFC Paris not only delivered thrilling fights but also proved to be a financial success for the promotion.
According to @jedigoodman on X (formerly Twitter), the event generated $4 million in gate revenue, making it the highest announced gate for a non-Apex UFC fight night event in 2024.
This achievement underscores the growing popularity of MMA in Europe and the appetite for high-level events in markets like Paris.
The strong gate revenue is a testament to the efforts of the UFC to expand its presence in Europe and bring major events to new audiences.
As the sport continues to grow globally, cities like Paris will likely see more events in the future, creating opportunities for local fighters to shine on the big stage.
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Benoît Saint Denis: Bio
Rising Star of the UFC Lightweight Division
Benoît Saint Denis, also known by his initials BSD, is a professional mixed martial artist from France.3
He competes in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and, as of June 2024, is ranked #12 in the UFC lightweight rankings. His journey from a young boy growing up in Nîmes to becoming a rising star in MMA is one filled with determination, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
This article will delve into the various stages of his life and career, exploring his background, early martial arts journey, military experience, and rise in the world of professional fighting.
Early Life and Martial Arts Beginnings
Born on December 18, 1995, in Nîmes, France, Benoît Saint Denis was the eldest of five brothers. Coming from a family that valued discipline and hard work, it was no surprise that he was drawn to sports from a young age.
His father was a French Army officer and an avid judo practitioner, which greatly influenced young Benoît’s early interest in martial arts.
With his father’s encouragement and guidance, Saint Denis began his training in judo at the age of eight, practicing in both France and Germany.
For eight years, he diligently honed his judo skills, eventually earning a black belt by the age of 16. In addition to judo, Saint Denis explored other sports such as football and rugby, showcasing his versatile athletic abilities and strong competitive spirit.
These early experiences laid a solid foundation for his future career in mixed martial arts, equipping him with a diverse skill set and an unwavering commitment to his athletic pursuits.
Benoît Saint Denis: Career
Military Service and Transition to MMA
Before embarking on his professional MMA career, Benoît Saint Denis served in the French Army.
He joined the 1st Marine Infantry Paratroopers Regiment, a unit of the French Army Special Forces Command, where he trained as a French Special Air Service (SAS) operator. His time in the military saw him deployed to Mali and other regions in West Africa, where he was involved in counter-terrorism operations.
Saint Denis’s service was marked by courage and dedication. He was awarded the Medal of the Nation’s Gratitude and the Combatant’s Cross in September 2017 for his contributions and service.
However, after five years of intense military experience, he decided to pursue a different path and left the army in March 2019.
His decision to leave the military was not taken lightly, but it was driven by a growing passion for martial arts. During his time in the SAS, Saint Denis started training in kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) to enhance his close combat skills. His love for these combat sports grew stronger, and he eventually decided to make MMA his full-time career.
Early Success in Kickboxing and BJJ
- Saint Denis’s formal entry into martial arts training began in 2017. He started kickboxing under the guidance of Stéphane Susperregui and simultaneously trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu with Christophe Savoca.
- Despite being relatively new to these sports, Saint Denis quickly made a name for himself in the BJJ circuit.
- Competing in the 2017 West Zone Championship in France, he won the medium-heavyweight division in the blue belt category.
- His success continued as he participated in the 2017 IBJJF Paris International Open No Gi Championship, where he secured third place in the medium-heavyweight division.
- In the following year, he went on to claim multiple titles, including first place in the middleweight division at the 2018 West Zone Championship and the IBJJF Paris International Open Gi Championship.
- Saint Denis’s prowess in BJJ earned him several accolades and recognition in the martial arts community. He also showcased his skills in the 2019 France National Championship, winning both the gi and no-gi divisions in the middleweight category.
- His achievements in BJJ solidified his reputation as a talented grappler and a formidable competitor, setting the stage for his transition to professional MMA.
Transition to MMA and Early Professional Career
- Saint Denis’s initial foray into MMA came in September 2017 when he participated in the Invictus XV 8-men amateur tournament.
- His primary motivation for competing in MMA was to improve his SAS close combat skills, but the experience sparked a new passion within him.
- He won the first two matches of the tournament by submission and secured the final victory by decision, defeating an opponent with professional experience in the middleweight division.
- Encouraged by his performance and the positive feedback from his coaches, Saint Denis seriously considered making MMA his career.
- In July 2018, he was invited to train at Shootfighters, a renowned MMA gym in London, where fighters like Michael Page honed their skills.
- Luiz Tosta, a respected Brazilian coach, saw potential in Saint Denis and encouraged him to pursue professional MMA.
- Saint Denis took the leap and began training full-time, making his professional debut soon after. His early professional career was marked by impressive performances, showcasing his grappling expertise and rapidly improving striking skills.
- His background in judo, kickboxing, and BJJ made him a well-rounded fighter, capable of adapting to different fighting styles and strategies.
Benoît Saint Denis: Promotion
Benoît Saint Denis promoted the French burger company SmashBurgers’ franchise on his instagram account.
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Joining the UFC and Climbing the Lightweight Ranks
Benoît Saint Denis’s entry into the UFC was a significant milestone in his career. He made his UFC debut on short notice in October 2021 against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos.
Despite a valiant effort, Saint Denis lost the fight by decision. However, his performance caught the attention of UFC officials and fans, who praised his resilience and tenacity.
Undeterred by the setback, Saint Denis continued to train rigorously and refine his skills. His hard work paid off as he bounced back with a series of impressive victories, including dominant performances against respected opponents in the lightweight division.
His aggressive fighting style, coupled with his technical proficiency in grappling and striking, made him a dangerous contender in the lightweight division.
As of June 2024, Saint Denis has risen to #12 in the UFC lightweight rankings. His climb up the rankings has been marked by notable wins and memorable fights, establishing him as one of the promising fighters in the division.
With each fight, he continues to demonstrate growth and adaptability, making him a potential title contender in the near future.
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