Autumn is right here within the northern hemisphere. Weekends will quickly be dominated by journeys to apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and haunted homes. Whereas the temperatures could also be cooling down as the brand new season continues, inside, the motion within the famed UFC Octagon is simply starting to warmth up.
The third quarter of the yr in MMA’s prime promotion ends with its annual journey to Paris this Saturday. For the third straight yr, Dana White‘s group heads to the French capital for one more UFC Struggle Evening, UFC Paris. Inside america, UFC Paris is unique to ESPN+.
Motion kicks off Saturday at 12 midday ET/ 9 am PT on ESPN’s subscription-based streamer with preliminary fights earlier than shifting onto the primary card at 3 pm ET/ midday PT. All informed, absent of any cancellations or postponements between now and the weekend, UFC Paris encompasses a packed 14-fight slate.
Lightweights In Motion for UFC Paris Fundamental Occasion Saturday
Highlighting the day’s itinerary is a contest at light-weight within the UFC Paris major occasion. No. 11 contender Renato Moicano (19-5-1 MMA, 11-5 UFC) takes on No. 12 contender Benoit Saint-Denis (13-2, 1 NC MMA, 5-2 UFC), an alumnus of Courageous Fight Federation.
As with most UFC major occasions since 2011, the UFC Paris major occasion is an marketed most of 5 rounds at 5 minutes per spherical to shut out the present.
“Moicano needs cash!” 💸@MoicanoUFC by no means disappoints on the mic. You possibly can catch him again within the Octagon this weekend at #UFCParis! pic.twitter.com/R7DhcWvebj
— UFC (@ufc) September 26, 2024
UFC Paris Fundamental Occasion Fighter Comparability and Betting Odds
Heading into the UFC Paris major occasion on Saturday night time, each contestants stand degree at 5-foot-11. Benoit Saint- Denis holds a one-inch attain benefit (73 inches to 72 inches) over Renato Moicano, whereas Moicano owns a 2 1/2-inch leg attain benefit (42 1/2 inches to 40 inches even) over Saint-Denis.
Presently, the oddsmakers have Benoit Saint-Denis put in as a -300 favourite on the cash line, whereas Renato Moicano counters as a +240 underdog. When you plan on betting on this or every other battle taking place this weekend in MMA and/or fight sports activities, please wager responsibly.
“Cash” Goals for twentieth Professional Win Saturday Evening
Renato Moicano enters the UFC Paris major occasion on Saturday having posted a file of 4-1 in his final 5 MMA fights. For the time being, he’s on a four-fight profitable streak.
Most not too long ago, he scored a second-round knockout (floor and pound pictures) of Jalin Turner (14-8 MMA, 7-5 UFC) through the landmark UFC 300 on April 13 from T-Cell Enviornment in Las Vegas. Within the interim, he picked up a choice win on factors over Cristian Guzman in a grappling match throughout UFC Struggle Go Invitational 7 on Could 15.
On Wednesday, Moicano met with the press throughout media day, using his time on the podium to speak about his upcoming adversary.
“I believe he’s superb total, placing, grappling, however I believe I’m higher,” Moicano started. “General, I believe I’m higher. Possibly he’s extra aggressive, perhaps he has extra punching energy, however total, I believe I’m higher.”
The time for discuss is nearly over for Renato Moicano. On Saturday night time, will he be capable to flip his phrases into motion? Tune into the UFC Paris major occasion and discover out.
Saint-Denis Able to Get Again in Win Column
Within the different nook, Benoit Saint-Denis enters the headlining affair having posted a mark of 4-1 in his final 5 fights. Final trip, he dropped a second-round knockout (proper hook) towards Dustin Poirier (30-9, 1 NC MMA, 22-8, 1 NC UFC) throughout UFC 299 again in March from Miami.
Lately, Saint-Denis talked to USA In the present day’s MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn about bettering his fight acumen since that contest.
“Numerous stuff occurred with that battle, loads of stuff and it has been bringing me loads of classes,” Saint-Denis remembers. “Like I mentioned, come 100% wholesome to a battle. Crucial a part of coaching camp is to be prepared for the battle, not earlier than or not after, being wholesome and taking pleasure in coaching.”
One other vital issue to contemplate for Saint-Denis and his camp is that their fighter will likely be in a “residence sport” on Saturday night. His countrymen will likely be cheering him on within the UFC Paris major occasion, so can he feed off the momentum his supporters give him and experience it to a victory?
Evaluation, Movie Research, and Prediction
Stylistically, the UFC Paris major occasion appears to favor Renato Moicano, a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo, in comparison with Benoit Saint-Denis’ standing as a brown belt in BJJ and black belt in judo.
Moicano Goes to Work in a Hurry
Statistically talking, Renato Moicano has recorded 10 wins by means of submission. Though there wasn’t an viewers current for his March 2020 battle vs. Damir Hadzovic because of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he didn’t want the roar of the group to information him to victory.
Throughout the opening spherical of the battle, Moicano dropped Hadzovic and took his again, making use of the torque to lock up a rear-naked choke. Time of the stoppage: A mere 44 seconds.
Search for Moicano to try to drop Saint-Denis early on within the UFC Paris major occasion. If he scores the primary takedown, it might be the opening he wants to attain the win on Saturday night time.
Saint-Denis’ Kicking Sport May Inform the Story
Within the different nook, Benoit Saint-Denis has a proficient kicking sport, as was illustrated in his November victory over Matt Frevola.
Spherical one in every of that battle noticed Frevola rating with a leg kick, just for Saint-Denis to return hearth and knock him down with one in every of his personal. Whereas Frevola popped again as much as land a takedown and assume prime place on the bottom, Saint-Denis executed a sweep and secured aspect management earlier than Frevola labored again as much as the clinch and secured one other takedown.
This was rendered moot due to Saint-Denis working again as much as the clinch with Frevola unloading on a knee to his opponent’s physique. Upon breaking free, Benoit Saint-Denis uncorked an excellent kick to the top to knock Frevola down and out. Ought to Saint-Denis discover himself on the underside place on the mat, he has the talents to beat this.
Ultimate Ideas
Don’t let the rankings of those two males idiot you: The UFC Paris major occasion appears to be an entertaining scrap this weekend. Get pleasure from it.
Prediction: Renato Moicano by First-Spherical Submission.
