Benoit Saint-Denis arrives in Sydney this weekend to face Dan Hooker at UFC 325, a matchup with vital implications for the light-weight division. The light-weight co-main occasion takes place at Qudos Financial institution Enviornment on January 31, 2026, the place the French fighter enters on the power of back-to-back stoppages in 2025. Saint-Denis’ current 16-second knockout of Beneil Dariush in November has positioned him as a severe contender.
Benoit Saint-Denis Prepared for Conflict at UFC 325
“We had been fairly stunned by the timing of the struggle, however figuring out it’s subsequent to his nation made it extra clear why they wished him to struggle right here. I used to be already in vacation mode in my thoughts and I needed to swap it again on, as a result of BSD–Dan Hooker, you want no promotion. It’s going to be a scrap,” Saint-Denis defined on the pre-fight press convention. The French fighter has completed all 16 victories on his report, with submissions making up 11 of these wins and 4 coming by knockout. His placing has change into more and more sharp, whereas his submission arsenal stays a constant risk.
“I do anticipate that the winner of this struggle goes to be prime 5 and I do anticipate he’s going to be seeking to transfer ahead. In fact I’m within the two most violent belts within the UFC, which in my thoughts are the light-weight undisputed title and the BMF,” he mentioned. “I’ll discuss concerning the Paddy Pimblett–Justin Gaethje struggle if I need to, after my struggle with Dan Hooker.”
These aspirations hinge on defeating Hooker, a 35-year-old veteran ranked sixth within the division. The New Zealand fighter holds a 24-13 report and carries expertise from fights towards elite competitors, although he enters following a submission loss to Arman Tsarukyan in November.
The central narrative of this struggle facilities on ending charges and energy. Hooker questioned Saint-Denis’ knockout credentials, citing his small pattern dimension of finishes by strike. Saint-Denis responded on to that criticism. “He mentioned I’m not a finisher, not a knockout artist as a result of I solely knocked out Beneil Dariush. He’s going to search out out on Saturday–Sunday. I don’t know what number of knockout playing cards he has within the UFC. I’ve 4, and I’ve a 100% end price and it’s a mixture between submissions and knockouts. He is aware of it’s going to be one thing, and I believe I’ll struggle the most effective model of him. I hope so. Could the higher fighter win,” Saint-Denis said.
At 5’11” and combating at 155 kilos, Saint-Denis possesses the dimensions benefit over Hooker at light-weight and has demonstrated the power to impose his will in current fights. His current efficiency towards Ruffy and Prepolec showcased his grappling enhancements, whereas the lightning-quick end towards Dariush revealed his placing potential. Hooker’s current struggles with strain fighters like Tsarukyan might current alternatives for Saint-Denis to manage the tempo.
Saint-Denis acknowledged the jet lag related to touring to Australia however said his preparation was thorough. “Coming early is simply to soak up the jet lag. There may be large jet lag right here, however we’re getting used to it. My first time in Australia was in Perth in 2016, and now it’s my second time. Nice nation,” he famous. The struggle takes place at Qudos Financial institution Enviornment in Sydney’s Olympic Park, marking the UFC’s eighth go to to the town.
The winner of this matchup stands positioned to interrupt into the respectable title image at 155 kilos. For Saint-Denis, victory would mark a 3rd consecutive stoppage victory and set the stage for a matchup towards higher-ranked contenders. For Hooker, a win would sign restoration from his current loss and reignite his championship aspirations.
