Benoit Saint-Denis is set to return to the Octagon at UFC 325, bringing with him an impressive record of 8-3 in the UFC. His only losses in the lightweight division came against prominent fighters Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano. Just two months after a remarkable 16-second knockout victory over Beneil Dariush, Saint-Denis finds himself in a high-stakes match against #6-ranked Dan Hooker.
Speaking at the media day for UFC 325, Saint-Denis expressed surprise at the timing of the fight but acknowledged the strategic importance of competing close to home. “I had already in my mind put the switch back on, because BSD and Dan Hooker, you need no promotion. It’s gonna be a scrap,” he stated, emphasizing the excitement surrounding this matchup.
This fight carries significant implications for the lightweight division, which has seen a stagnation at the top. Saint-Denis’s rise through the ranks has been marked by a series of impressive finishes, making him a formidable contender. A victory against Hooker could position him for a major title opportunity, which he considers likely. “It’s a huge fight, I do expect that the winner of this fight is gonna be top 5,” he noted.
Saint-Denis expressed his ambition for the two most coveted titles in the UFC: the lightweight undisputed title and the BMF belt. He pointed out Hooker’s concerns about his knockout power, asserting, “I have four [knockouts] with a 100% finish rate.” This assertion showcases his confidence as he prepares for a test against a well-known opponent.
Despite being eager for the fight, Saint-Denis has opted to keep the pre-fight banter to a minimum, believing that the contest inside the Octagon will speak for itself. He emphasized respect for Hooker while highlighting the genuine excitement that this battle presents, stating, “I expect respect, and he knows it’s gonna be a battle inside the Octagon.”
As fans prepare for UFC 325, all eyes will be on this intriguing co-main event, where Saint-Denis will put his skills to the test against Hooker. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere is electric, promising a thrilling showdown on Saturday night.