UFC Paris: Saint Denis vs. Ruffy Breakdown
The UFC is back in France on September 6, 2025, with UFC Fight Night: Imavov vs. Borralho at the Accor Arena in Paris. Among the most anticipated bouts of the evening is Benoit Saint-Denis vs. Mauricio Ruffy, a lightweight clash that could propel the winner into the top tier of the division.
Saint Denis: Keys to victory
Benoit Saint-Denis thrives on relentless pressure and gritty grappling. His best path is to close distance quickly, disrupt Ruffy’s striking rhythm, and chain takedowns together. If Saint Denis can impose top control early, his physicality and submission game could swing the fight in his favor. Against a sharp striker like Ruffy, head movement and timing level changes will be crucial.
Ruffy: Keys to victory
Mauricio Ruffy has risen as one of the UFC’s most exciting prospects. Blessed with fast hands, knockout power, and sharp defensive instincts, the Brazilian represents a nightmare matchup for pressure-heavy fighters. Ruffy’s best approach will be to control range, punish Saint Denis with intercepting strikes, and use stabbing body kicks and counters to keep him honest. Should the fight hit the mat, Ruffy must stay composed and avoid getting drowned by the Frenchman’s pace.
Prediction
This is a true striker-vs-grappler duel. Saint Denis’ relentless grind could expose weaknesses if Ruffy’s takedown defense falters, but the Brazilian has shown flashes of the ability to survive rough spots and punish openings. The most likely outcome? Ruffy finds the chin and closes the show in highlight-reel fashion. Prediction: Ruffy by KO/TKO.
Full UFC Paris Fight Card
- William Gomis vs. Robert Ruchała
- Brendson Ribeiro vs. Oumar Sy
- Marcin Tybura vs. Ante Delija
- Harry Hardwick vs. Kauê Fernandes
- Sam Patterson vs. Trey Waters
- Brad Tavares vs. Robert Bryczek
- Rinat Fakhretdinov vs. Andreas Gustafsson
- Sam Hughes vs. Shauna Bannon
Also on the card: Caio Borralho vs. Nassourdine Imavov, Paul Craig vs. Modestas Bukauskas, Bolaji Oki vs. Mason Jones, Axel Sola vs. Rhys McKee, Losene Keita vs. Patricio Pitbull.
