Benoît Saint Denis extended his impressive winning streak at UFC 325, achieving a second-round technical knockout against Dan Hooker in a highly anticipated co-main event bout. The fight, held in Sydney, saw Hooker initially attempt to control the pace with powerful body kicks, effectively countering Saint Denis's early takedown attempts.
However, Saint Denis's strategic persistence paid off as he eventually managed to take Hooker to the canvas, shifting the momentum entirely in his favor. He relentlessly attacked Hooker on the ground towards the end of the first round, a pattern he repeated with even greater intensity in the second. The continuous onslaught led referee Herb Dean to halt the contest with mere seconds remaining in the round, declaring Saint Denis the victor.
Following his triumph, Saint Denis expressed his determination for a championship, stating, "I'm going to be champion with this. Give me the belt; I'm ready." This win marks his fourth consecutive finish, a remarkable recovery after earlier losses to Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano. His recent performances, including submissions against Kyle Prepolec and Mauricio Ruffy in 2025, and a knockout of Beneil Dariush, highlight his formidable presence in the lightweight division. Saint Denis then challenged several top-ranked fighters, including Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, current champion Ilia Topuria, and Arman Tsarukyan, signaling his ambition for either the undisputed UFC lightweight title or the BMF belt, currently held by Holloway.
Benoît Saint Denis's calculated aggression and consistent finishing ability underscore a promising trajectory in the UFC. His journey exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence within combat sports, inspiring many to push beyond perceived limits and strive for ultimate victory.