UFC Fight Night 258: Imavov vs. Borralho takes place on September 6, 2025, at the Accor Arena in Paris, France, featuring a high-stakes lightweight co-main event between #13-ranked Benoît Saint Denis and rising Brazilian knockout artist Maurício Ruffy. This matchup pits one of France’s most relentless grapplers against one of Brazil’s most dangerous strikers, making it a classic clash of styles with divisional implications.

Benoît Saint Denis

Benoît Saint Denis (14–3, 1 NC) is one of the UFC’s most exciting action fighters, blending relentless pressure with a dangerous submission arsenal. Known as “The God of War,” the Frenchman has finished 14 of his 14 wins, with 10 coming by submission, making him one of the most prolific finishers in the division.

After back-to-back losses to Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano halted his rise, Saint Denis bounced back with a second-round submission over Kyle Prepolec at UFC 315 in May 2025. Fighting once again in Paris, where he has previously delivered memorable performances, Saint Denis will look to use his grappling to neutralize Ruffy’s power and regain momentum in the lightweight rankings.

Benoît Saint Denis – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Kyle Prepolec – Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) – UFC 315, May 10, 2025
2. Loss vs. Renato Moicano – TKO (Doctor Stoppage) – UFC FN, September 28, 2024
3. Loss vs. Dustin Poirier – KO (Punches) – UFC 299, March 9, 2024
4. Win vs. Matt Frevola – KO (Head Kick) – UFC 295, November 11, 2023
5. Win vs. Thiago Moisés – TKO (Punches) – UFC FN, September 2, 2023

Saint Denis’ keys to victory will be using constant pressure, forcing clinch and takedown exchanges, and hunting for submissions before Ruffy can settle into his striking rhythm.

Maurício Ruffy

Maurício Ruffy (12–1) has burst onto the UFC lightweight scene as one of the most explosive strikers on the roster. With 11 knockouts among his 12 wins, Ruffy has earned a reputation as a devastating finisher who can end fights in an instant.

The Brazilian prospect is coming off back-to-back highlight victories, including a spinning wheel kick KO of King Green at UFC 313 and a first-round TKO of Jamie Mullarkey at UFC 301. Known for his aggression and variety of striking weapons, Ruffy poses a significant threat to any lightweight if the fight stays standing.

Maurício Ruffy – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. King Green – KO (Spinning Wheel Kick) – UFC 313, March 8, 2025
2. Win vs. James Llontop – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 309, November 16, 2024
3. Win vs. Jamie Mullarkey – TKO (Punches) – UFC 301, May 4, 2024
4. Win vs. Raimond Magomedaliev – TKO (Punches) – DWCS 65, October 3, 2023
5. Win vs. Ronys Torres – TKO (Punches) – Centurion FC, May 26, 2023

Ruffy’s keys to victory are defending takedowns, keeping the fight at striking range, and using his explosive offense early to pressure Saint Denis into mistakes.

Fight Breakdown

This co-main event showcases a stylistic clash between Saint Denis’ relentless grappling and Ruffy’s explosive knockout power. Saint Denis will look to close the distance, smother Ruffy against the fence, and hunt for submissions on the mat. On the other hand, Ruffy will aim to keep the fight standing, where his knockout power and striking creativity give him a clear edge.

The opening round will be crucial. If Ruffy can keep the fight standing early, his chances of landing a fight-ending strike are high. However, if Saint Denis can weather the storm and implement his grappling, the momentum could swing heavily in his favor as the fight progresses.

Prediction

While Ruffy is one of the most dangerous strikers in the lightweight division, Saint Denis’ experience, grappling dominance, and composure under pressure may allow him to dictate the fight once it hits the ground. The home crowd in Paris could also fuel his performance.

Prediction: Benoît Saint Denis def. Maurício Ruffy via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) – Round 2

A win would re-establish Saint Denis as a serious contender in the lightweight division, while Ruffy has the chance to make a statement by knocking off a ranked opponent on enemy territory.