The highly anticipated five-round co-main event of UFC 299 didn’t need all 25 minutes, as Dustin Poirier ended took out Benoit Saint-Denis in Round 2.
Dustin Poirier vs. Benoit Saint-Denis Preview
Dustin Poirier has been a staple of the top-10 at 155 pounds since 2017, holding his ranking since first entering. 2024 marks Poirier’s 14th year in the promotion, initially starting at 145 pounds but moving up to his longtime home at lightweight in 2015. With a 13-4 record since making that move, Poirier has turned into a legend of the sport. Between wins over Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, Justin Gaethje, and Michael Chandler, Poirier has taken out some of the best fighters the UFC has to offer. Coming off a loss in his rematch against Justin Gaethje, “Diamond” is ready to prove any doubters wrong and take out a young up-and-comer. However, if unsuccessful, it could be the last time we see Dustin Poirier step in the Octagon.
Benoit Saint-Denis has been one of the hottest fighters in the lightweight division since his arrival. After debuting on short notice up at welterweight, Saint-Denis returned to his natural weight class and has been as dominant as anyone since the start of 2022. The French fighter lives up to his “God of War” moniker, finishing five straight since moving back down. All of Saint-Denis’ wins come within the first two rounds of the fight, where his pressure and grappling have often overwhelmed opponents. His last fight showed that he was much more than a grappler, scoring a spectacular head kick knockout over Matt Frevola in the very first round. The streak granted him his wish, a massive step-up in competition against one of the greatest lightweights ever.
Fight Recap
Saint-Denis came out looking for the takedown early, but was quickly pulled into a guillotine. As the choke got tight, he flipped himself around and ended up on top, eventually getting to Poirier’s back. Poirier fought off and the two started exchanging some big shots in the pocket. THere were some amazing early scrambles that both men found success in. Saint-Denis kepot the pressure on, using his dirty boxing and pressure to work on Poirier early. Another unsuccessful guillotine attempt by Poirier led to his back being taken where the Frenchman held a body triangle for the last minute of the round.
Poirier started off the second round with a massive left hand that stunned Saint-Denis, before Poirier attempted another unsuccessful guillotine. Saint-Denis quickly worked to the back and tried to lock up a choke, but Poirier worked back to his feet. The two exchanged again with Poirier dropping Saint-Denis and the pouncing while he was hurt. Saint-Denis started engaging in a brawl and was put down with a massive right hook. Poirier jumped on him and ended the fight with a massive strike to an already badly hurt Saint-Denis on his back.
UFC Fighters React to Dustin Poirier Shining Like a Diamond
Featured Image Credit to Embed from Getty Images
