Benoit Saint Denis taps out Maurício Ruffy in UFC Paris co-main event

The UFC Paris co-main event on Saturday featured a lightweight clash between No. 13 ranked Benoit Saint Denis and No. 15 ranked Mauricio Ruffy.

Saint Denis entered the bout coming off a submission win over Kyle Prepolec at UFC 315 in May. The win broke a two-fight losing skid. Ruffy brought with him a seven-fight winning streak. He hadn't lost a fight since 2019 and finished two of his three UFC opponents in the first round. 

Saint Denis landed first with an outside leg kick. In typical fashion, Saint Denis came out aggressive. He changed levels and put Ruffy on his back one minute into the fight. He quickly passed so side control and advanced to mount. Ruffy rolled and worked to stand. He reversed Saint Denis and stood and let Saint Denis up. 

Saint Denis quickly put Fuffy back on the canvas with a double leg takedown. Again, he mounted Ruffy. Saint Denis postured up and delivered elbows but it created enough space for Riuffy to scramble to his feet. Saint Denis kept the pressure on ion the clinch. Saint Denis delivered an accidental knee to the groin. Referee Herb Dean stepped in to give Ruffy time to recover. When the action restarted, Ruffy worked to establish his jab. Saint Denis began targeting Buffy's body with kicks. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Saint Denis. 

Saint Denis pressured Ruffy to start the second frame. Ruffy jumped in the air with a knee that landed. Saint Denis closed the distance and pulled Ruffy to the canvas. In the scramble, Ruffy gained top position. He stood and let Saint Denis up. 

Saint Denis backed Ruffy up and worked to get the fight to the ground two minutes into the round. They worked for position along the cage before Saint Denis powered Ruffy to the canvas. He quickly took Ruff's back and began to deliver punches. He worked to lock on a rear-naked choke. Ruffy tapped out. 

Saint Denis ended Buffy's win streak in impressive fashion. The official time of the submission win was 2:56 of the Round 2.