UFC Paris Co-Main Event: Benoit Saint-Denis vs Mauricio Ruffy Preview and Prediction
The UFC returns to Paris this Saturday, September 6, 2025, with a stacked card at the Accor Arena. While the main event between Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho will dominate headlines, the co-main event has fans buzzing as French favorite Benoit Saint-Denis takes on Brazilian knockout threat Mauricio Ruffy.
For Saint-Denis, it’s a chance to remind fans why he’s one of France’s most beloved warriors. For Ruffy, it’s an opportunity to shock the world on enemy territory and establish himself as a serious contender in the lightweight division.
Tale of the Tape
| Fighter | Benoit Saint-Denis | Mauricio Ruffy |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | France | Brazil |
| Age | 29 | 28 |
| Record | 13-3 (1 NC) | 10-1 |
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Reach | 73” (185 cm) | 72” (183 cm) |
| Fighting Style | Pressure striker, grappler | Explosive knockout striker |
Benoit Saint-Denis is returning to his home country looking to bounce back after a tough string of fights against elite names. Known as “God of War,” he has built his reputation on relentless pressure, toughness, and an ability to push opponents into deep waters. Fighting in front of the Paris crowd, he’ll be eager to give fans a signature performance.
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Mauricio Ruffy enters with less name recognition but plenty of firepower. The Brazilian has carved out a reputation as a dangerous knockout artist, capable of ending fights in an instant. A win over Saint-Denis in Paris would skyrocket his profile and firmly place him on the UFC’s radar as a lightweight contender.
Saint-Denis thrives when he can apply constant pressure. He chains together striking with grappling, smothering opponents until they break. His chin and cardio have carried him through wars, making him a nightmare for anyone who fades under pressure.
Ruffy, meanwhile, brings explosiveness and finishing instincts. His striking is sharp and powerful, and he has shown the ability to capitalize on even the smallest opening. Against Saint-Denis, he’ll look to keep the fight standing and turn it into a firefight where one clean shot could change everything.
This fight has all the ingredients for chaos. If Saint-Denis can close the distance and drag Ruffy into deep waters, his volume, grappling, and durability should carry him to victory. But if Ruffy can maintain space and land his power shots, a stunning upset could be in play.
With the crowd firmly behind him and his experience in high-level wars, the safer pick is Saint-Denis. Expect a gritty battle that goes beyond the first round, with the Frenchman’s pressure eventually proving too much.
Prediction: Benoit Saint-Denis via third-round TKO
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