Benoit Saint-Denis, a promising lightweight fighter with a record of 13 wins and 3 losses, faced a pivotal moment leading into UFC 315. Just weeks before the event, his original opponent, Joel Alvarez, withdrew, leaving Saint-Denis eager to maintain his spot on the card. Fortunately, the UFC quickly matched him with Kyle Prepolec, ensuring fans would witness a thrilling fight on Saturday night in Montreal, Quebec.
In a recent media session with reporters, including Cageside Press, Saint-Denis expressed eagerness for the upcoming matchup. "The most important thing for me was I’m here, I’m ready, I’m ready for a fight," he declared, emphasizing his wish to compete in the home soil of many champions, including Georges St-Pierre. Saint-Denis feels a strong connection to Quebec, stating, "I love the fact that it’s the home soil of so many champions like GSP. There is Manon Fiorot who can become the first undisputed French champion."
Missing out on a chance to face Alvarez was a blow for Saint-Denis. The matchup promised high drama, as both fighters boasted impressive finish rates, ranking #13 and #15, respectively, in the division. "It was going to be a very violent fight. I was really happy about this fight, but the fight game is like this," he reflected. However, he remains grateful for the UFC's ability to secure him a new opponent quickly: "Thanks to God the UFC is a huge war machine and they are able to find me an opponent for Saturday night."
When word broke of Alvarez's withdrawal, other lightweights quickly expressed interest in stepping in. Mateusz Gamrot voiced his desire to fight Saint-Denis, but the French fighter was not biting. With a smile, Saint-Denis commented, "I think everybody knows me now. I think if he could have done it in Montreal you all know it was going to happen." Yet, waiting for Gamrot would mean delaying his return to the octagon.
Saint-Denis views Prepolec as the immediate challenge, preferring to stay active rather than wait for another opportunity. “What I wanted to do is fight in Montreal,” he said. "Waiting three weeks or one month to have another opponent is an option. UFC wants me to fight Gamrot in two weeks; I will do my job on Saturday night, and I will be there in two weeks. Don’t worry about it.”
The enthusiasm surrounding UFC 315 is palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating the matchup between Benoit Saint-Denis and Kyle Prepolec. This fight marks an essential moment for Saint-Denis as he seeks to establish himself further in the lightweight division. His commitment to staying active and seizing opportunities speaks to his determination and readiness to compete at a high level.
As you prepare for Saturday’s action, remember to watch Benoit Saint-Denis take on Kyle Prepolec at UFC 315. This clash promises to deliver excitement and showcase the relentless spirit of two skilled fighters hungry for victory.
