Doctor calls off UFC Paris main event as Benoit Saint-Denis struggles with vision test inside octagon after suffering massive damage to eyes
Renato Moicano delivered a brutal first-round beating to Benoit Saint-Denis, forcing a doctor's stoppage in the main event of UFC Paris. The fight, which took place at the Accor Arena, was a highly anticipated matchup between two rising stars in the lightweight division.
Moicano dominated the opening round, landing heavy strikes and controlling Saint-Denis on the ground. The Frenchman's face was bloodied and swollen, and his vision was severely impaired. Despite his injuries, Saint-Denis survived the first round and even showed some resistance in the second.
However, the damage done in the first round was too much for Saint-Denis to overcome. Before the start of the third round, the cage-side doctor assessed Saint-Denis' condition and determined that he was unable to see out of his right eye. The fight was immediately stopped, and Moicano was awarded the victory.
The defeat is a significant setback for Saint-Denis, who has now lost two consecutive fights for the first time in his career. He will likely drop in the lightweight rankings following this loss.
On the other hand, Moicano is now riding a four-fight winning streak and has solidified his position as a challenger in the lightweight division. Following his victory, Moicano issued a challenge to Paddy Pimblett and Dan Hooker. He dismissed the potential opponents as “easy money” and asserted his confidence in his abilities:
"I want Paddy Pimblett, easy money, Dan Hooker, easy money. I just beat a hell of an athlete. Everybody was talking about Benoit Saint Denis, but guess what, 'Money' Moicano is the man tonight."
Check out Renato Moicano's comments following his win at UFC Paris below:
Check out the rest of the main card results from UFC Paris below:
- Nassourdine Imavov def. Brendan Allen by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) (middleweight)
- William Gomis def. Joanderson Brito by split decision (29–28, 28–29, 29–28) (featherweight)
- Bryan Battle def. Kevin Jousset via TKO (welterweight)
- Morgan Charriere def. Gabriel Miranda via KO (featherweight)
- Fares Ziam def. Matt Frevola via KO (lightweight)