UFC Fight Night – Benoit Saint Denis vs. Mauricio Ruffy: Preview & Betting Tips

The French capital once again hosts a must-see fight as Benoit Saint Denis makes his fourth straight Paris appearance, this time taking on surging Brazilian talent Mauricio Ruffy in Saturday’s co-main event.

Saint Denis (14-3, 1 NC) has become a fan favourite for his relentless approach. All 14 of his professional victories have come inside the distance, whether by brutal ground-and-pound, slick submissions, or his underrated knockout power.

Ruffy (12-1) is one of the most exciting new additions to the lightweight division. Eleven of his twelve wins have come by finish, and he has consistently demonstrated sharp, technical striking with fight-ending power. 

Tale of the Tape

Benoit Saint Denis – Odds 2.50

Record: 14-3, 1 NC

Age: 29

Height: 5ft11

Reach: 73”

Weight: Lightweight 

Stance: Southpaw

Mauricio Ruffy – Odds 1.53

Record: 12-1

Age: 29

Height: 5ft11

Reach: 75”

Weight: Lightweight 

Stance: Orthodox

Benoit Saint Denis vs Mauricio Ruffy: Analysis

As a former French special forces soldier, “God of War” embodies the name with his nonstop pressure and willingness to go through the fire in order to impose himself on his opponent. Saint Denis’ game is built around overwhelming pressure. His ability to chain takedowns and keep opponents pinned to the mat makes him incredibly difficult to deal with once he gets rolling. 

If he can drag Ruffy into clinch battles and secure extended periods of top control then he should bank rounds and potentially force a late finish in front of his home crowd.

On the feet, Saint Denis has legitimate knockout power, but his defence remains almost non-existent.

For Ruffy, success depends on his range management. At kickboxing distance, his accuracy, timing, and shot selection should allow him to outland Saint Denis. His straight punches and counters can punish the Frenchman’s forward pressure, especially if Saint Denis gets reckless trying to chase a finish.

The unknown factor is Ruffy’s defensive grappling. While we haven’t seen him rag-dolled, we also haven’t seen him tested against a wrestler as committed as Saint Denis. If he can stuff takedowns and return to his feet quickly, he has a real chance to punish Saint Denis over time.

Saint Denis vs Ruffy: Prediction & Betting Tips

This is definitely one of the most intriguing matchups in recent months in my opinion.

The longer this fight stays standing, the more dangerous it becomes for Saint Denis. But with the Paris crowd behind him and the ability to turn contests into grinding wars, this is certainly more of a 50-50 in my eyes than what the oddsmakers are making it.

With both of their finishing rates, fight to not go the distance is an unplayable market as far as I’m concerned. I am looking for value here, and unlike many knockout artists, Ruffy has carried his power into later rounds, which will be important against a durable, cardio-heavy opponent like Saint Denis.

I like the look of Mauricio Ruffy to win by KO/TKO in rounds 2 or 3 at odds of 3.50; I believe Ruffy will eventually hurt BSD and finish him off with his superior striking from distance.