Fresh off a dominant victory at UFC 299, Benoit Saint-Denis isn’t resting on his laurels. “God of War” has mapped out an ambitious path for the remainder of 2024, targeting a potential fight with top lightweight contender Beneil Dariush.
This audacious plan comes with a remarkable backstory. During the fight week leading up to UFC 299, Saint-Denis faced a formidable foe outside the octagon: a vicious staph infection.
Battling Through the Pain: Saint-Denis’ Staph Infection Struggle
Saint-Denis’ determination was tested in the days leading up to UFC 299. A gruesome staph infection threatened to derail his entire fight camp. In a now-viral Instagram post, the French fighter revealed the severity of the issue, showcasing a severely swollen and inflamed leg.
Despite the evident pain and discomfort, Saint-Denis made the courageous decision to push through the injury and compete. This display of unwavering focus and perseverance earned him immense respect from the fighting community.
“It was a brutal week,” Saint-Denis admitted in a recent interview. “The infection was agonizing, and staying focused on the fight took everything I had. But I knew this was a massive opportunity, and I wouldn’t let anything stop me.”
Dariush in Sight: Saint-Denis Targets Top Lightweight Contender
With his impressive win over Lee, Saint-Denis has solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division. He now boasts four victories in his last five fights, showcasing his explosive striking and well-rounded skillset. According to Saint-Denis, his next target is none other than the #4 ranked Beneil Dariush.
“Dariush is a top contender, and defeating him would put me right in the mix for a title shot,” declared Saint-Denis. “He’s undoubtedly a tough opponent, but I believe my style poses a serious threat. I’m confident I can take him out.”
The UFC hasn’t yet confirmed any official plans for Saint-Denis, but it’s evident the promotion holds him in high regard. A fight against Dariush would be a significant step up in competition, and a win would undoubtedly propel Saint-Denis into the lightweight title picture.
However, the ultimate goal for Saint-Denis remains etched in his mind: a spectacular performance at UFC Paris in September. Fighting in front of his home crowd would be a dream come true for the French star, and he’s determined to deliver a night to remember and prove himself in the UFC world.
“UFC Paris is going to be electric,” said Saint-Denis, brimming with excitement. “The French fans are some of the most passionate in the world, and I can’t wait to put on a show for them. Whether it’s Dariush or someone else, I’ll be ready to put on a dominant performance and take another step towards the title.”
With his sights set on a top contender clash and a Parisian homecoming filled with fireworks, Benoit Saint-Denis is poised for a breakout year in the UFC lightweight division. Fans can expect to see “God of War” continue to deliver highlight-reel finishes and solidify his position as a future title contender.
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