UFC Fight Night Paris: Renato Moicano vs. Benoit Saint-Denis: Live round-by-round updates
Benoit Saint-Denis looks to bounce back from his second promotional loss when he meets Renato Moicano in the UFC Paris main event.
Saint-Denis made his UFC debut in October 2021 and quickly earned the fans' respect despite losing against Elizeu Zaleski. The Frenchman accepted the matchup on short notice and showcased his warrior spirit by refusing to give up, even though Zaleski inflicted a shocking amount of damage on him.
'God of War' validated his superstar potential by rattling off five consecutive wins, all inside the distance. In March, the 28-year-old endured another setback inside the Octagon due to a second-round knockout defeat against Dustin Poirier.
On Saturday, September 28, Saint-Denis returns for his first main event in his home country of France. The number twelve-ranked lightweight plans to make a statement when he faces the streaking Renato Moicano.
Moicano is riding a three-fight winning streak, including a comeback win against Jalin Turner last time out. The number eleven-ranked lightweight has an opportunity to steal Saint-Denis' spotlight in the UFC Paris main event and guarantee himself a higher-ranked opponent for his next fight.
It should be noted that UFC Paris starts on Saturday, September 28 at 9:00 A.M. PT / 11:00 A.M. CT / 12:00 P.M. ET. The main card featuring Gomis vs Brito on ESPN+ will start three hours later at 12:00 P.M. PT / 2:00 P.M. CT / 3:00 P.M. ET.
Follow along with Sportskeeda for live updates of the UFC Paris main event between ranked lightweights Renato Moicano and Benoit Saint-Denis.
Watch Moicano and Saint-Denis face off before UFC Paris below:
Renato Moicano vs. Benoit Saint-Denis
Round 1:
Renato Moicano vs. Benoit Saint-Denis is underway. Both fighters open up with kicks. Moicano is trying to push forward, but it's not working yet. Moicano changes levels, turns the corner, and takes Saint-Denis to the ground. Moicano establishes his position in the full guard. Saint-Denis looks to push off with his legs, but Moicano isn't letting him go anywhere.
Saint-Denis pushes off again. Moicano jumps back in and secures back control. The body triangle is locked in and Moicano is already trying to set something up. Saint-Denis is trying to do anything to get up. Moicano is unloading brutal ground and pound. Saint-Denis is bleeding really badly already.
The crowd is trying to get Saint-Denis back into this fight. The bleeding from Saint-Denis is getting worse, his face is a mess. Saint-Denis tries to get up again and Moicano jumps to his back with the body triangle. Saint-Denis tries to roll over again and pays the price with devastating elbows and punches.
Saint-Denis may get out of this round, but the damage to his face is going to be a factor for the rest of this fight. Moicano is setting up in half-guard for the last 30 seconds. Saint-Denis somehow survived the first round.
Round 2:
Benoit Saint-Denis may have a broken left orbital. The gruesome damage was hard to look at in between rounds. Saint-Denis' right seems to be closing too. Renato Moicano comes out patient and composed. Saint-Denis goes down to the body with a punch and comes back up top.
Moicano attempts to shoot for a takedown. Saint-Denis keeps the fight standing. Saint-Denis almost lands a big head kick. Moicano fails another takedown attempt to keep Saint-Denis guessing. Moicano has stayed composed. Saint-Denis is finding the target with his punches, but the power isn't fully there.
Moicano is increasing the volume with his jab. Saint-Denis seems to be shaking off the cobwebs. Moicano attempts another takedown, but Saint-Denis denies him. Moicano locks up Saint-Denis and pushes him against the cage. Saint-Denis reverses the position and pushes off to return to striking range.
Round 3:
The doctor has come in to take a look at Benoit Saint-Denis. The Frenchman's face is an absolute mess. The doctor isn't letting the fight continue. It's all over.
Official Result: Renato Moicano def. Benoit Saint-Denis by TKO (doctor's stoppage). Round 2, 5:00