Benoît Saint Denis, better known as BSD, has quickly become one of France’s most exciting fighters to watch inside the Octagon. A former French Army Special Forces soldier, Saint Denis has translated his grit and toughness into a relentless fight style that has earned him highlight-reel finishes and a loyal fanbase. Now ranked #13 in the lightweight division, he returns to Paris to face Maurício Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 258. Ahead of that clash, here are his three biggest performances so far.
1. Saint Denis vs. Matt Frevola – UFC 295 (Madison Square Garden)
In one of his most spectacular finishes to date, Saint Denis knocked out Matt Frevola with a devastating head kick in just 91 seconds. The fight opened with wild scrambles on the mat as both men traded control, but once back on the feet, BSD unleashed a perfectly timed left kick that floored Frevola instantly. The referee had no choice but to step in, sealing one of the most memorable knockouts of the night at Madison Square Garden. This emphatic win improved his record to 13-1 and announced him as a real threat in the top 15.
2. Saint Denis vs. Thiago Moises – UFC Fight Night (Paris)
Fighting in front of his home crowd for the first time, Saint Denis delivered an unforgettable second-round TKO over Thiago Moises. True to his all-action style, he opened with furious exchanges and ground scrambles before taking control in Round 2. Pushing the pace with clinch strikes, leg kicks, and relentless pressure, Saint Denis forced Moises to the ground and finished him with vicious ground-and-pound at 4:44. The Paris crowd erupted as their hometown fighter scored another signature finish, cementing his reputation as one of the division’s most entertaining lightweights.
3. Saint Denis vs. Ismael Bonfim – UFC on ESPN 48 (Las Vegas)
Against highly touted Brazilian prospect Ismael Bonfim, Saint Denis showcased his grappling dominance with a first-round submission. After a back-and-forth striking exchange early, BSD secured takedowns and heavy top control. With seconds left in the opening frame, he secured back control and locked in a tight rear-naked choke, forcing Bonfim to tap at 4:48. The win halted Bonfim’s momentum and highlighted Saint Denis’ ability to blend relentless pressure with slick submission skills.