UFC Fight Night 258: Benoît Saint Denis vs Mauricio Ruffy

On Saturday, September 6, 2025, at UFC Paris, Benoit Saint-Denis delivered a dominant performance against Mauricio Ruffy in a lightweight co-main event at the Accor Arena. Saint-Denis, fighting in front of his home crowd, showcased his grappling prowess from the outset. Within the first minute, he secured a takedown and quickly transitioned to top control, threatening with submissions. Ruffy managed to escape and attempted to counter with a flying knee in the second round, but Saint-Denis’s relentless pressure proved overwhelming.

As the second round progressed, Saint-Denis continued to impose his will, landing another takedown and advancing to Ruffy’s back. He applied a rear-naked choke, and despite Ruffy’s efforts to defend, the submission was inescapable. Ruffy tapped out at 2:56 of the second round, granting Saint-Denis a submission victory.

This victory marked a significant milestone in Saint-Denis’s career, as he neutralized Ruffy’s striking threat with a calculated game plan centered on kicks and wrestling. The win not only showcased his technical skills but also solidified his position as a rising contender in the lightweight division.

For Ruffy, the loss was a setback in his quest to break into the lightweight top 15. Despite his previous knockout victories, he struggled to find his rhythm against Saint-Denis’s relentless grappling. The bout highlighted areas for improvement in his defensive wrestling and submission defense.

Looking ahead, Saint-Denis’s impressive performance positions him for potential matchups against higher-ranked opponents in the lightweight division. With his blend of striking and grappling, he has the tools to challenge some of the division’s best. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how he fares against top-tier competition in future bouts.