Benoit Saint-Denis looks to make his homecoming fight in Paris one to remember when he faces Renato Moicano on September 28.
A member of France's 1st Marine Infantry Paratroopers Regiment, Saint-Denis is 5-2 in the octagon. His five-fight win streak, all ending via finishes, ended after getting knocked out by Dustin Poirier. Born in Nimes, Saint-Denis looks to return to his winning ways on his journey to potentially become a top contender in the division.
Moicano is 11-5 in the octagon and on a three-fight win streak. The Brazilian has ten wins via submission. Entering enemy territory, Moicano looks to upset Saint-Denis' fans and the UFC's potential plans for him.
"100% they trying to push Benoit Saint-Denis, and I'm not even mad, that is just business," Moicano said to MMA Fighting via MMA News. "I know Europe is a huge market, they don't have many European fighters doing very well and Benoit Saint-Denis is a dangerous fighter. He's an aggressive fighter and UFC likes him, he's young, you know?
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"He's young, European, good market, he can make good money for the UFC but guess what? UFC called the wrong guy because I'm going over there, and I'm beating him."
With the help of Sports Interaction, The Sporting News makes predictions on several to-tier fights at UFC Paris.
UFC Paris expert picks and card predictions
Renato Moicano vs. Benoit Saint-Denis; Lightweights
Per Sports Interaction, Benoit Saint-Denis is the -275 favorite, while Renato Moicano is the +220 underdog.
Saint-Denis had his five-fight win streak snapped against Dustin Poirier. "God of War" lands 5.70 significant strikes per minute and has a strike accuracy mark of 54%. He averages 4.76 takedowns landed per 15 minutes, landing ten in his last four fights. Moicano is on a three-fight win streak. He lands 4.38 significant strikes per minute, has a strike accuracy mark of 48%, and averages 1.89 takedowns landed.
Both land for power and have gotten hit by big blows. Moicano is looking for the upset, but can he beat Saint-Denis in front of family and friends? The Brazilian is a grappler and can have the edge on the floor. However, Saint-Denis' one-hit knockout power can take anyone out and can work some grappling into his game.
The hometown favorite should take the fight, but The Sporting News is leaning toward an upset, given Moicano's recent momentum.
Sporting News prediction: Moicano via TKO (round three)
Nassourdine Imavov vs. Brendan Allen; Middleweights
Per Sports Interaction, Nassourdine Imavov is the -210 favorite, while Brendan Allen is the +175 underdog.
Imavov lands 4.58 significant strikes per minute and has a strike accuracy mark of 55%. He has landed triple-digit shots twice in the octagon and also averages 0.98 takedowns landed per 15 minutes. Allen lands 3.98 significant strikes per minute, has a strike accuracy mark of 53%, and averages 1.74 takedowns landed. "All In" landed 112 strikes against Chris Curtis with six takedowns.
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This top-ranked middleweight fight could determine the next contender. The eighth-ranked Allen looks to extend his seven-fight win streak against Imavov, ranked fourth. The French fighter is always a danger on the floor, but so is Allen. It is a matter of who can strike first. Given the momentum he is on, his drive and his explosiveness, Allen can walk away with the upset and a better spot in the rankings.
Sporting News prediction: Allen via submission (round two)
Kevin Jousset vs. Bryan Battle; Welterweights
Per Sports Interaction, Kevin Jousset is the +135 favorite, while Bryan Battle is the -165 underdog.
Born in Bordeaux, Jousset has won five straight, with three fights going the distance. "Air" lands 8.23 significant strikes per minute, landing 134 against Song Kenan. Battle lands 4.52 significant strikes per minute and has a strike accuracy mark of 51%.
It could be a scrappy contest. If the fight stays on the feet, Battle may have the edge in strikes. Jousset must be careful when coming forward against Battle, known to pick apart his opponents who dare challenge him. Even with Jousset's takedown ability, Battle's recent takedown defense could be the edge he needs to take Jousset out.
Sporting News prediction: Battle via TKO (round three)
Fares Ziam vs. Matt Frevola; Lightweights
Per Sports Interaction, Fares Ziam is the -135 favorite, while Matt Frevola is the +110 underdog.
Ziam lands 2.70 significant strikes per minute and has a strike accuracy mark of 48%. He averages 0.81 takedowns landed per 15 minutes. Frevola lands 3.71 significant strikes per minute and has a strike accuracy mark of 42%. "The Steamrolla" averages 2.59 takedowns landed.
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Styles make fights. Ziam is a boxer, while Frevola is known for grappling and striking. The former has a solid takedown defense (67%) but did get taken down seven times against Claudio Puelles. Frevola often swings wildly but has been known for his power. It is not hard to believe Frevola can give Ziam a run for his money and offer a solid upset on the night.
Sporting News prediction: Frevola via split decision
Darya Zheleznyakova vs. Ailin Perez; Bantamweights
Per Sports Interaction, Ailin Perez is the -250 favorite, while Darya Zheleznyakova is the +195 underdog.
Zheleznyakova has a 38% strike accuracy mark in her short time in the octagon, landing 57 significant strikes against Montserrat Rendon. "Iron Lady" has five wins via knockout and is on a two-fight win streak. Perez holds the record for most takedowns (10) landed in UFC women's bantamweight history. The 29-year-old is on a three-fight win streak, lands 2.91 significant strikes per minute, and averages 5.19 takedowns landed per 15 minutes.
Zheleznyakova can strike with the best of them but is susceptible to the takedown, getting dropped three times in her last fight. Meanwhile, Perez has landed 19 in four octagon fights. The takedowns should be enough to tire Zheleznyakova out unless she surprises Perez.
Sporting News prediction: Perez via unanimous decision
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