Introduction—Why UFC Paris Is a Must-Watch
When UFC comes to the Accor Arena on September 6, 2025, the city of Paris will resound with the thunderous cheers of combatants. Headlining the co-main event is an electrifying lightweight battle between Benoît “God of War” Saint Denis and the surging Brazilian powerhouse Mauricio “One Shot” Ruffy.
This isn’t merely a fight; it’s a fascinating clash of styles, a struggle for momentum, and a real test of whether raw finishing power can outmatch the calculated pressure and grappling skills of an opponent. On one side, in front of a charged audience, framed by fierce intensity, there is a French warrior called Saint Denis, a specialist in the art of submission. On the other side, Ruffy is a fan-favorite knockout artist whose highlight finishes have garnered mass attention.
Match Details
- Date: September 6th, 2025
- Time: 07:00 PM (UTC)
- Venue: Accor Arena, Paris
- Division: Lightweight Co-Main Event
Tale of the Tape – Mauricio Ruffy vs. Benoît Saint Denis
| Fighters | Benoît Saint Denis | Mauricio Ruffy |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 29 | 29 |
| Height | 1.80 m (5’11”) | 1.80 m (5’11”) |
| Weight | 70.3 kg (155 lbs) | 70.3 kg (155 lbs) |
| Reach | 185.4 cm (73”) | 190.5 cm (75”) |
| Stance | Southpaw | Orthodox |
| Record | 14-3-1 | 12-1 |
At first glance, these two are evenly matched in size and age. Both are in their primes, and both stand at 5’11”, but the difference is in their reach and style. Ruffy carries a two-inch reach advantage, perfect for his sharp striking game. Saint Denis, on the other hand, uses a lot of pressure and works well in chaos.
Fighter Profiles & Analysis
Benoît Saint Denis – “God of War”
In the lightweight division, Benoît Saint Denis has established a reputation as one of the most unrelenting combatants. He has an undefeated record of 14-3 and thrives on forward pressure, chain wrestling, and an unwavering will.
Strengths:
High-volume takedowns (averages 4+ per 15 minutes).
A risky submission game where there are 1.5 submissions every 15 minutes.
Constant cardio and momentum generated by the crowd.
Weaknesses:
Striking defense sits at just 41%, leaving him hittable.
Open to precise, clean hitters who penalize pressure from the forward.· Two knockout defeats in 2024 raised questions about durability.
Still, Saint Denis is never out of a fight. His ability to grind opponents down, scramble repeatedly, and eventually drag fights into deep water is his trademark. Against Mauricio Ruffy, his best chance lies in closing the distance, turning the fight into a clinch battle, and imposing his grappling.
Mauricio Ruffy – “One Shot”
Mauricio Ruffy enters UFC Paris with an impressive 12-1 professional record, including a 100% takedown defense in the UFC. Ruffy is well-known for his devastating knockout power, as well as his calm and precise striking.
Strengths:
Elite striking accuracy (58%) with 4.54 significant strikes per minute.
KO power—11 of his 12 wins have come by knockout/TKO.
Superior defense (61% strike defense vs. Saint Denis’ 41%).
Two-inch reach advantage and ability to fight at range.
Weaknesses:
No proven offensive wrestling.
Limited grappling experience against elite submission artists.
Still relatively untested in high-pressure, grappling-heavy fights.
He scored a knockout of Bobby Green via a spinning wheel kick and earned a Performance of the Night bonus for it, proof that he is able to finish opponents in dramatic fashion. His strategy against Saint Denis is rather straightforward: vertical striking the whole fight, punishing takedown attempts, and looking to finish at a distance.
Stylistic Matchup—Striker vs. Grappler
This fight is the classic striker vs. grappler scenario.
Saint Denis’ Path to Victory:
To secure takedowns, apply early pressure and clinch.
Use top control and ground-and-pound to soften Ruffy.
Look for submissions, particularly arm-triangle or rear-naked choke.
Ruffy’s Path to Victory:
Stay calm and use his kicks and jabs to keep his distance.
Stuff takedowns with his 100% defensive record.
Counter Saint Denis’ entries with uppercuts, knees, or hooks.
Look for the knockout, particularly in the first two rounds.
This fight will be decided by where it takes place:
On the feet → Advantage Ruffy.
On the ground → Advantage Saint Denis.
Recent Form & Career Dynamics
Benoît Saint Denis
Lost by KO to Dustin Poirier in Miami (2024).
Lost to Renato Moicano in Paris after a doctor had to stop the fight.
Came back strong with a submission win against Kyle Prepolec in 2025.
Mauricio Ruffy
Undefeated in the UFC (3-0).
KO win over Kevin Green (precision and composure).
KO of the Year contender vs. Bobby King Green (spinning wheel kick).
While Saint Denis has faced tougher competition, he’s also absorbed more damage. Ruffy, by contrast, is fresher but untested against a relentless grappler of Saint Denis’ caliber.
Betting Picks & Predictions
Straight Pick: Mauricio Ruffy. His accuracy and consistency make him the safer option.
Value Pick: Benoît Saint Denis (+175): Live underdog if he can impose wrestling early.
Prop Bets to Consider:
Ruffy by KO/TKO (+120).
Saint Denis by Submission (+250).
Fight NOT to go the distance (-160).
Free Pick: Mauricio Ruffy via KO/TKO.
If Ruffy maintains his distance and stuffs the takedowns, his precision striking should overwhelm Saint Denis. However, this fight is closer than the odds suggest and live betting could offer opportunities if Saint Denis secures early grappling success.
Current Odds from Stake.com
Technical Breakdown
Striking Edge – Ruffy
Higher accuracy, better defense, longer reach.
Fighting techniques that can culminate a fight with a single blow.
Grappling Edge – Saint Denis
Fast-paced wrestling strategy, with an endless multitude of submissions.
Strong top position control once he gets opponents down.
Intangibles
Saint Denis: Home crowd enthusiasm in Paris.
Ruffy: Composure under pressure, confidence from recent highlight wins.
Final Prediction
This encounter had all the makings of a Fight of the Night. Benoît Saint Denis will likely use an aggressive strategy in order to defeat Ruffy. However, if Ruffy can keep his balance, his crisp punching and knockout power will definitely shine.
Prediction: Mauricio Ruffy defeats Benoît Saint Denis via Round 2 KO/TKO.
But don’t count out Saint Denis. If he survives early damage and gets this to the ground, he could flip the script with a submission finish.
Conclusion – Why This Fight Matters
The UFC Paris co-main event isn’t just another fight card. It’s a defining moment for both fighters:
For Saint Denis, the focus is on proving he can rise back into the mix after some hard knocks. Meanwhile, Ruffy is out to show that his knockout strength and perfect UFC record can stand strong against a high-pressure grappler. Either way, fans are set for an electrifying battle of styles, and bettors have a variety of strategies to consider.
