After his recent loss, Saint Denis has several intriguing options for his next fight in the UFC Lightweight division. Three notable contenders for Saint Denis’s next bout include Beneil Dariush, Jalin Turner, and Rafael Fiziev, all ranked fighters with substantial experience in the octagon. Here’s a breakdown of each potential opponent, including their rankings and recent fight history.

1. Beneil Dariush (#7 Ranked Lightweight)

Beneil Dariush is a seasoned contender in the UFC Lightweight division known for his grappling and striking ability. Currently ranked #7, Dariush has faced tough competition in his last few outings, making him a formidable challenge for Saint Denis. Despite recent setbacks, his skill set and experience could provide a tough test as Saint Denis seeks to bounce back.

Dariush’s Last 5 Fights:

• Loss vs. Arman Tsarukyan (Decision, UFC Fight Night, July 15, 2024)
• Loss vs. Charles Oliveira (Submission, UFC 289, June 10, 2023)
• Win vs. Tony Ferguson (Decision, UFC 262, May 15, 2021)
• Win vs. Mateusz Gamrot (Decision, UFC 280, October 22, 2022)
• Win vs. Diego Ferreira (TKO, UFC Fight Night, February 6, 2021)

A matchup against Dariush would allow Saint Denis to prove himself against an established top-10 fighter eager to regain his footing in the division.

Jalin Turner (#14 Ranked Lightweight)

Jalin Turner, currently ranked #14, is known for his explosive striking and finishing ability. With a record of 14 wins and 8 losses, Turner poses a significant threat with his knockout power, having scored multiple finishes in his career. Although he recently lost to Renato Moicano at UFC 300 via TKO, his potential for highlight-reel performances remains intact.

Turner’s Last 5 Fights:

• Loss vs. Renato Moicano (TKO, UFC 300, September 23, 2024)
• Win vs. Brad Riddell (Decision, UFC 276, July 2, 2022)
• Win vs. Jamie Mullarkey (Submission, UFC Fight Night, February 12, 2022)
• Win vs. Vicente Luque (Decision, UFC 278, August 20, 2022)
• Loss vs. Matheus Nicolau (Decision, UFC Fight Night, December 11, 2021

A fight with Turner could be an exciting clash of styles, showcasing Saint Denis’s grappling against Turner’s striking prowess.

Rafael Fiziev (#9 Ranked Lightweight)

Rafael Fiziev, ranked #9 in the lightweight division, is known for his striking and movement. With a record of 12 wins and 3 losses, Fiziev recently suffered a loss to Mateusz Gamrot due to a knee injury, which could make him eager to get back in the win column. His experience against elite competition would present a challenging test for Saint Denis.

Fiziev’s Last 5 Fights:

• Loss vs. Mateusz Gamrot (Injury, UFC Fight Night, August 12, 2023)
• Win vs. Rafael dos Anjos (Decision, UFC 274, May 7, 2022)
• Win vs. Brad Riddell (TKO, UFC 260, March 27, 2021)
• Win vs. David Teymur (Decision, UFC Fight Night, July 17, 2021)
• Loss vs. Charles Oliveira (Decision, UFC 277, July 30, 2022)

A matchup against Fiziev could test Saint Denis’s adaptability and resilience, offering a chance to showcase his growth as a fighter in a high-stakes bout.