Benoit Saint-Denis will fight at UFC 315 after all, but fans aren’t happy with his new opponent booking. UFC lightweight contender Benoit Saint-Denis's originally scheduled opponent, Joel Alvarez, withdrew from UFC 315 this past weekend due to an undisclosed injury. After the news broke of Alvarez’s withdrawal, many questioned whether or not the knockout artist Saint-Denis would remain on the UFC 315 card or if the matchmakers would save him for another event. It was a big blow just days ahead of UFC 315, which marks the promotion’s return to Montreal after a lengthy absence. It was an important opportunity for Saint-Denis after suffering back-to-back knockout defeats in 2024.
Despite a Top 15 lightweight offering to step in to fight Saint-Denis, the French star will face a significant downgrade in competition at UFC 315. As reported by TSN's Aaron Bronsteter, Saint-Denis will face 26-fight veteran Kyle Prepolec in a lightweight bout at UFC 315. Prepolec fought twice previously in the UFC Octagon, dropping unanimous decisions to Austin Hubbard and Nordine Taleb. Prepolec was scheduled to face PFL veteran Michael Dufort at a Samourai MMA event on Friday before getting the call to face Saint-Denis at UFC 315.
After the news broke of Saint-Denis vs. Prepolec, fight fans weren’t happy. "This is awful considering the potential available options," one fan responded on X. "Free win for BSD," another said. "Fair play to him, but he’s well up there in years." "F— you [UFC]. You guys fumbled Benoit vs. Rebecki. Benoit in 1." "Who da f— is that guy?" "Saying no to Gamrot and then taking this fight. SMH." "They doing anything to let Benoit get a win." "Jeez I’m Canadian and even I never heard of this guy." "Tell me this is a joke, please." "Can’t even imagine what the odds are gonna look like."
Saint-Denis is looking to bounce back from the first losing streak of his MMA career after losses to Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano last year. Before his recent struggles, Saint-Denis won five consecutive fights, including finishes of Ismael Bonfim and Thiago Moises. While Prepolec’s UFC tenure didn’t impress, he’s been on a roll in this current chapter of his career. He’s won four of his last five fights and is fresh off three brutal knockout victories.
UFC Hall of Famer praised ‘complete package’ Belal Muhammad ahead of UFC 315. After Saint-Denis’s position on the UFC 315 was secured, the matchmakers can turn their attention towards an intriguing card on Saturday night. UFC 315 is headlined by UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad's first title defense against Jack Della Maddalena. Ahead of UFC 315, Muhammad received huge praise from UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre, whom he is chasing down in discussing the all-time great welterweights. St-Pierre called Muhammad a ‘complete package’ and compared his style to the one he demonstrated during his Hall of Fame career.
If anything happens with the UFC 315 main event, Ian Machado Garry will be on site to serve as the backup fighter, although Muhammad dismisses that he’ll be needed this weekend. Garry most recently defeated Carlos Prates at UFC Kansas City.
As the UFC gears up for its highly anticipated return to Montreal, the excitement builds around the card featuring Benoit Saint-Denis against Kyle Prepolec. This matchup comes on the heels of a significant change, with Joel Alvarez pulling out due to injury, leaving Saint-Denis in need of a new opponent. The UFC's decision to bring in Prepolec, a seasoned fighter with an extensive record, has raised eyebrows among fans who were hoping for a more formidable challenge for the French contender.
Prepolec, who boasts a record of 18 wins and 8 losses, is stepping in on short notice, having previously fought in the UFC but with little success. His last two appearances in the promotion saw him lose by decision, prompting his release. However, since then, he has found success outside the UFC, winning four of his last five bouts, including a string of first-round knockouts that have rekindled his career.
For Saint-Denis, this fight represents a critical juncture in his career. After suffering defeats to notable fighters like Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano, he is eager to get back in the win column. His previous five-fight win streak showcased his potential, with impressive finishes that made him a rising star in the lightweight division. The pressure is on as he faces Prepolec, who will be looking to make a statement in front of his home crowd in Montreal.
Fans have expressed their disappointment over the matchup, feeling that Prepolec may not provide the challenge that Saint-Denis needs to truly rebound. Many had hoped to see him face a higher-ranked opponent, especially after the UFC initially offered him a Top 15 lightweight fighter. However, the opportunity for a win is crucial for Saint-Denis, and he will be looking to capitalize on this chance to regain momentum in his career.
The UFC 315 main card is set to feature some exciting bouts, including a welterweight title fight between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena, along with a women’s flyweight championship bout between Valentina Shevchenko and Manon Fiorot. This event marks a significant return for the UFC to Montreal, and fans are eager to witness the action unfold at the Bell Centre.
As the fight night approaches, the anticipation continues to build, with fans keen to see how Benoit Saint-Denis performs against Kyle Prepolec. Will he be able to secure a victory and silence the critics, or will Prepolec pull off an upset in front of his home crowd? Only time will tell as UFC 315 promises to deliver an exciting night of fights.
With the preliminary card kicking off at 8 p.m. ET and the main card starting at 10 p.m. ET on May 10, 2025, fans are gearing up for what is expected to be a thrilling evening filled with high-stakes matchups and the potential for dramatic finishes. The buzz surrounding this event is palpable, and all eyes will be on Benoit Saint-Denis as he steps into the Octagon once again, determined to turn his fortunes around.
