UFC 315 provided fans with arguably the best card of 2025 so far. Highlight finishes, all-out wars and a main event that delivered the fight of the night, Montreal was treated to an incredible show. The card also saw one particular man regain his confidence and return to the dominant force we had grown used to seeing in the cage. I am, of course, referring to Benoit Saint-Denis.
Coming off consecutive brutal losses to Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano, Saint-Denis came into Montreal desperately needing a win. Originally matched up with the versatile finisher, Joel Alvarez, many feared a third straight loss was heading the Frenchman’s way. An incredible grappler with a long frame and dynamite hands, Alvarez would be problematic for even the most confident fighter, let alone one coming off two straight losses. However, things can change in the blink of an eye. Just one week before their scheduled bout, Alvarez pulled out, citing a hand injury. With the UFC scrambling to find a fighter with a Canadian Visa, on weight and willing to fight a dangerous opponent on such short notice, things seemed bleak. However, Kyle Prepolec bravely took the test, despite seemingly being over-matched in all areas. The fight proved this to be the case. BSD easily took down the Canadian, Prepolec, in round one, dominating until the horn. The second round began with much of the same, with the “God of War” eventually finishing Prepolec with a beautiful arm-triangle choke. This begs the question. Who’s next for BSD?
Option 1 – Mauricio Ruffy
Mauricio Ruffy looks to be one of the most exciting prospects in the UFC. The “Fighting Nerds” star has made statement after statement since entering the organisation in 2023, none bigger than in his last fight. Matched up with veteran King Green, Ruffy landed a vicious spinning wheel kick just 2 minutes into the contest, knocking Green out cold. This incredible kick sent Ruffy into super-stardom, with fans desperate to see him face off with a ranked opponent in his next fight. Who better to take him on than Benoit Saint-Denis? BSD would surely provide Ruffy with the real test fans want to see, bringing a level of striking and grappling that Ruffy has yet to face. For Saint-Denis, a matchup with Ruffy would provide hype from the entire MMA world. A win over the Brazilian would surely send BSD back into the top ten of the division, ready to mount a title run.
Option 2 – Mateusz Gamrot/L’udovit Klein Winner
Mateusz Gamrot is one of the most underrated fighters in the UFC. A 7-3 record in the organisation, including wins over Rafael Dos Anjos, Rafael Fiziev and Arman Tsarukyan, Gamrot has proven himself to be an elite fighter. Despite this, he is overlooked by most fans when it comes to the top of the 155-pound division. “Gamer” has shown his nickname to be true, recently accepting fights with unranked fighters, Mauricio Ruffy and L’udovit Klein. Whilst the former declined, the latter accepted, setting up a co-main event on May 31st. The winner would set up a scintillating future fight with Benoit Saint-Denis. Both men provide different puzzles for the Frenchman to solve. Gamrot is one of the elite grapplers and wrestlers in the Lightweight division, whilst Klein brings powerful striking and a dangerous ground game to match. I believe either to be the ideal next fight for BSD. However, should Gamrot win, he may demand to fight up the rankings, and who could blame him for doing so? So, who else could be an option for the “God of War”?
Option 3 – Michael Chandler
This would be a fight for the fans. #12 ranked Chandler vs #13 ranked Saint-Denis, this contest makes sense. Both men bring chaos to the Octagon every time they make the walk. A former Bellator champion, Chandler has struggled to find wins in the UFC. Holding a 2-5 record and riding a 3-fight losing streak, “Iron Mike” needs a win. Benoit Saint-Denis would provide a potentially perfect opportunity for him to do so. BSD has struggled against the elite of the division and shown clear holes in his game. Holes that Chandler can exploit. It would be a matchup to get fans in seats, with constant action guaranteed. Neither man knows how to be in a boring fight, and this one would be no exception. For BSD, a win over a legend like Chandler would put him back on course for a run at the title and help to reinforce his momentum after his most recent win.
Any of the above would be a sensible, exciting next step for Benoit Saint-Denis. Though the UFC has yet to decide who is next for the Frenchman, it is undeniable that they will face a punishing challenge against the “God of War”.
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