French sensation Benoit Saint-Denis returns to the octagon on the 9th of March at UFC 299, where he will face Dustin Poirier.
If he can get past the “Diamond”, Saint-Denis vows to take on three of the top lightweight contenders. Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Islam Makhachev.
The Clear-Out
In his interview with Mike Owens, from MiddleEasy, the 28-year-old laid out his future plans. “I want to submit [Charles] Oliveira. I want to knock out Justin Gaethje. And I want to win a tactical fight against Islam Makhachev. I want to be in the best shape and as dangerous as possible in every aspect of the fight and win those fights.”
Since losing his first fight in the UFC via unanimous decision to Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos back in October 2021, the “God of War” has gone on a rampant five-fight win streak. All of which have come by finish.
Benoit Saint-Denis said: “If I didn’t win my five fights before the way I have been winning, I would not be here talking about this fight.”
Providing the Frenchman’s progression continues as it has, his hopes of beating the top contenders are certainly not outside the realms of possibility.
Competing six times in two years shows Saint-Denis wants to keep his tools sharp. The motivation to become the lightweight champion being his guiding light.
Not Overlooking Dustin Poirier
This will be Poirier’s 30th fight in the UFC. Boasting a 70% win percentage since joining the organisation in 2011. With notable wins over the likes of Conor McGregor (twice), Anthony Pettis, and Max Holloway. Poirier is certainly no joke and poses the biggest threat to Saint-Denis to-date.
Benoit Saint-Denis gave Poirier his praise and said: “He’s a tough guy. He’s well-rounded. Of course. I’m the new guy. I’m the fresh guy and he has all that experience with him, but I’m not coming from nowhere.
“In 2019, I had already five years of experience as a special operator for the Special Air Service. I also had my life before being a fighter in gloves.”
On 9th March, we find out if the seasoned veteran has still got it, or if there is a new kid on the block.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
