Florin Hossu (in Martinique) with AFP / Photo credits: SARAH STIER / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP
In MMA, a champion has been the tricolor standard-bearer in recent times: Benoît Saint Denis. The French fighter faces the American Dustin Poirier on Saturday in Miami (at 10 p.m., 4:00 a.m. Sunday Paris time) during UFC-299, for a first fight against a star of the discipline. At 28 years old, this former member of the special forces is a model for many young people and his journey inspires, even 6,000 km from Paris, in Martinique.
“He’s truly a top athlete.”
At 35, Dustin Poirier (29 wins, 8 losses with the UFC) is no longer quite the one who twice dominated the legend Conor McGregor in 2021. But he remains world No. 3 among lightweights, and therefore presents a superb opportunity for Saint Denis.
Twelfth in the lightweight world, Saint Denis is the fighter who is moving up in his category and remains on five victories before the limit. In November 2023, Saint Denis only needed a minute and a half of fighting to crush the American Matt Frevola. In September, he had already spectacularly defeated the Brazilian Thiago Moises at UFC Paris.
Saint Denis started MMA late, before losing his first UFC fight in October 2021, fought in the higher weight category. Since then, he has only won and gained strength. “Saint Denis is France, he never gives up,” says Yoan, who happily remembers the few hours spent with this champion during an internship in Fort-de-France. “He’s truly a top athlete, he’s a killer! He’s made for this,” he continues.
Nicknamed “God of War”, the god of war
Nicknamed “God of War”, the god of war, Benoît Saint Denis impresses with his physical abilities and his will. A real model for Robin, 17, registered in MMA since September. “We see that France is much more united behind Benoît Saint Denis behind any fighter”, he observes. Why does he explain it? “By his military past and by the fact that he is a patriot, a guy who did not hesitate to put his life in danger for France. Benoît Saint Denis is clearly the face of French MMA,” he judges.
In the event of a victory this Saturday evening against Dustin Poirier, Benoît Saint Denis could enter the world top five in his under 70 kilo category.