Benoit Saint-Denis

The French professional mixed martial artist known as the "God of War," Benoît Saint-Denis, was born on December 18, 1995, and competes in the lightweight class of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). In 2017, near the Bayonne region, Saint-Denis started Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) with Christophe Savoca and kick-boxing with Stéphane Susperregui. In the same year, he participated in the West Zone Championship in France, where he won the blue belt in the medium-heavyweight (194 lbs) division. He then competed in the 2017 IBJJF Paris International Open No Gi Championship and finished third.

He made his UFC debut at UFC 267, where he fought Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos in the welterweight category. Unfortunately, he lost by a unanimous decision. On July 1, 2023, Saint-Denis was scheduled to compete against Vinc Pichel at the UFC on ESPN 48. However, Pichel withdrew due to an injury in late May, and Ismael Bonfim took his place. Saint-Denis prevailed in the initial round by a rear-naked choke submission.

At UFC Fight Night 226 in September 2023, Saint-Denis defeated Thiago Moisés, a victory he achieved via technical knockout in the second round. He was awarded the Fight of the Night bonus for this fight. He fought Dustin Poirier at UFC 299 in a high-profile lightweight showdown but failed to beat him and ended up suffering a second-round TKO loss at UFC 292 on March 9, 2024. His next fight also resulted in a loss, this time against Renato Moicano. However, the French native got back to winning ways in his last outing at UFC 315, where he beat Kyle Prepolec via submission on May 10, 2025.

Benoit Saint-Denis' Early Life

On December 18, 1995, Benoit Saint-Denis was born in Nîmes. His mother was a teacher, while his father was an officer in the French Army who was also a skilled judo practitioner. From the age of eight to sixteen, Saint-Denis trained in judo in France and Germany, where he attained a black belt. In his younger years, he also played rugby union and football.

Prior to joining mixed martial arts, Saint-Denis was a member of the 1st Marine Infantry Paratroopers Regiment of the French Army Special Forces Command. He fought terrorist organizations both during the conflict in Mali and more widely throughout West Africa. In September 2017, he was given the Combatant's Cross and the Medal of the Nation's Gratitude. In March 2019, he was discharged from the army following five years of service.

Benoit Saint-Denis' Personal Life

In addition to his MMA profession, Benoit Saint-Denis occasionally serves as a trainer and instructor for Chiron, a French private security firm. Saint-Denis is married to his wife, Laura. She participated in the European Champions League with Toulouse Metropole FC, her futsal team. In July 2023, the couple welcomed a baby daughter.

Benoit Saint-Denis' Wife

Benoit Saint-Denis married Laura on August 27, 2022. Nothing is known about how they first became acquainted or began dating.

Laura is a dog trainer and shooting instructor for the police right now. Her completion of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) school made her the first female police officer from France.

Benoit Saint-Denis' Kids

As per Laura Saint-Denis's Instagram post, she gave birth to a daughter in July 2023.

Benoit Saint-Denis' Social Media

The social media handles of Benoit Saint-Denis are as follows:

• Instagram - Benoît "God of War" Saint-Denis (@benoitst_denis)

• Twitter (X) - Benoît « God of War » Saint Denis (@BenoitSt_Denis) / X (twitter.com)

• LinkedIn - Benoît (God Of War) SAINT DENIS | LinkedIn

• Linktree - @benoitst-denis | Twitter | Linktree

Benoit Saint-Denis' Endorsements

According to his official Instagram handle, Benoit Saint-Denis has sponsorship agreements with Venum, Nutrimuscle, and Mili-Atlas.

Benoit Saint-Denis' MMA Record

Benoit Saint-Denis has a professional mixed martial arts record of 13 wins, two losses, and one no-contest as of September 20, 2024. In addition to nine submission victories, his record also consists of four knockout wins. Saint-Denis has lost one match by decision and one by knockout.

Benoit Saint-Denis MMA Losses

Benoit Saint-Denis has suffered three losses and one no-contest in his career as of May 2025. His losses are as follows:

• In October 2021, Benoit Saint-Denis experienced a loss in a welterweight bout against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos at UFC 267. Saint-Denis' one-point deduction for a groin strike in round three likely had an impact on the unanimous decision judgment against him.

• After two rounds and five minutes of action, Saint-Denis's fight against Paweł Kiełek at Brave CF 28 in Bucharest, Romania, on November 4, 2019, ended in a no contest (NC) as a result of an unintentional collision of heads.

• Benoit Saint-Denis suffered his first TKO loss against Dustin Poirier when the duo locked horns with each other on March 9, 2024, at UFC 300. The defeat is Benoit Saint-Denis' second loss of his professional mixed martial arts career as of September 20, 2024.

• Benoit Saint-Denis' most recent loss was against Renato "Money" Moicano at UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Saint-Denis on September 28, 2024. He lost the bout via a doctor's stoppage at the end of the second round.

Benoit Saint-Denis Championships/Belts Won

Benoit Saint-Denis defeated Artur Szczepaniak at Staredown Fighting Championship 14 on March 21, 2019, to win the vacant SFC welterweight championship. He is yet to win a championship in the UFC as of September 2024.

Benoit Saint-Denis House

Benoit Saint-Denis resides in Bayonne, France, with his wife, Laura, and his daughter.