After a tough opening round in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Paris, former French special forces operative Benoit Saint-Denis appeared to be seeing some success on the feet in the second, before he failed to see anything at all.
On the advice of the ringside physician, the highly anticipated main event fight was sadly, but understandably, waved off as the doctors became concerned that the already significant swelling suffered by Benoit Saint-Denis could be hiding some more severe injuries.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLCBenoit Saint-Denis reacts to doctor’s stoppage loss in UFC Paris main eventAfter dragging the ‘God of War’ to the ground, Renato ‘Money’ Moicano kept busy as he landed brutal elbows and punches from the top position; with several particularly vicious strikes landing around both eyes of the Frenchman throughout the opening round.
Despite all three judges scoring the second for Saint-Denis, they couldn’t do anything as the fight was taken out of their hands: with the swelling around his eyes being too severe for the UFC doctors to allow the fight to continue.
Speaking to Michael Bisping in the octagon following the fight being waved off, an understandably emotional Benoit Saint-Denis thanked the Paris faithful for their unwavering support as he noted that he felt ‘sleepy’ in the opening round.
“A big thank you to everyone for your support, it was absolutely unbelievable to be here… Unfortunately, in that first round I came out and I was a little bit sleepy, and it allowed him to do enough damage to then play the Matador in the later rounds so I’m sorry for that.”
The ‘God of War’ promised the Parisian crowd that he’d be back “stronger” next time around and that whilst he’s “sorry for that performance, I was proud to represent the flag.”
Saint-Denis has now taken to social media to once again thank his fanbase, and to acknowledge that injuries like those he suffered in Paris last night are simply part and parcel of the sport.
BADDY: Paddy Pimblett reacts after being called out for ‘easy money’ fight as long-time rival lands TKO win in Paris“Not my day, this sport is hard but amazing,” he wrote via his Instagram page.
“Thank you all for your unwavering support. Proud to represent France in the octagon at home. Respect to my opponent for facing me at home and congratulations to him.
“God puts challenges in our path and this one is nothing compared to what I’ve experienced.”
Given the severity of the swelling, Saint-Denis will likely be out of action until early 2025 but when the ‘God of War’ does decide to return to the battlefield, he could do so with Moicano in support.
MONEY: Moicano calls for a fast-track to UFC title after dominating hometown hero in ParisRenato Moicano invites Benoit Saint-Denis to train with him for next fightWhilst Moicano is known for being one of the best trash-talkers in the game, the fan-favorite Brazilian would also show respect to Saint-Denis for fighting through such nasty-looking injuries at the post-fight press conference.
“I will be honest with you, I really respect Benoit Saint-Denis [because] what he did in this division – I think he’s very strong, he’s young but I think he needs to work on his game because usually, what makes him dangerous is what makes him vulnerable.
“He puts so much pressure on, if he touches you, he’s going to break you; but if he cannot touch you, it’s easy to see [strikes coming] and watching his fights, the way he stands up and swipes fighters always going 100%.”
Moicano stated that the fight in Paris went exactly how he and his team planned and even invited Benoit Saint-Denis to train with him for his next fight, whenever that may be.
“I was talking to my coach about once I got this guy down, he’s going do everything to swipe me and he’s going to gas out and that’s what happened.
OUCH: Renato Moicano suffered horror injury mid-way through UFC Paris win that could hinder Pimblett fight
“I invite Benoit Saint-Denis to my gym to train with us and I guarantee he’s going to be another fighter; he needs to get out of his comfort zone in my opinion but he’s a great fighter.”
Moicano currently trains out of American Top Team alongside the likes of possible future opponent Mateusz Gamrot, as well as the likes of Jorge Masvidal, Alexandre Pantoja, and even Saint-Denis’ former opponent Dustin Poirier.
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Source : BloodyElbow