In a thrilling night of mixed martial arts at UFC 315 in Montreal, Benoît Saint Denis made a triumphant return to the octagon, defeating Kyle Prepolec by submission in the second round. This victory marked a significant turnaround for Saint Denis, who had faced two consecutive losses in 2024, and it was a perfect opportunity for him to re-establish himself in the lightweight division.
Saint Denis, known as "God of War," entered the fight with a renewed sense of purpose, having made significant changes to his training camp. After his defeats to Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano, the French fighter sought the guidance of new coach Nicolas Ott, which seemed to pay off immediately. He dominated the first round, landing an impressive 38 strikes while Prepolec failed to land any significant blows.
In the second round, Saint Denis showcased his grappling prowess. After a quick takedown, he transitioned to a back mount and secured a rear-naked choke, forcing Prepolec to tap out. This victory not only secured his 10th career submission but also sent a clear message to the lightweight division that he is back and ready for top contenders.
After the fight, Saint Denis called out Mateusz Gamrot, challenging the Polish fighter to a match in two or three weeks. "It's an honor to fight here. If a top 10 wants to face me in two or three weeks, I’m ready. Gamrot, you called me out, let’s go!" he said in an interview with Daniel Cormier.
Meanwhile, the co-main event featured a highly anticipated bout between Manon Fiorot and Valentina Shevchenko for the women’s flyweight title. Fiorot, who has been a rising star in the UFC, had the chance to become the first French champion in the organization’s history. The atmosphere in the Centre Bell was electric, with fans eagerly supporting Fiorot as she stepped into the octagon against the legendary Shevchenko, who was looking to defend her title after reclaiming it from Alexa Grasso last year.
Fiorot entered the fight with an impressive record of 12 wins and only one loss, while Shevchenko boasted a record of 24 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. The stakes were high, and both fighters were determined to leave their mark on the history of the sport.
As the main event approached, all eyes were also on Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena, who were set to clash for the welterweight title. This matchup added another layer of excitement to an already thrilling card, as both fighters aimed to secure their place in the annals of UFC history.
The preliminary fights had already set the tone for an unforgettable night, with several Canadian fighters delivering spectacular performances. Mike Malott scored a knockout victory in the second round against Charles Radtke, while Jasmine Jasudavicius submitted former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade in the first round. Marc-André Barriault also made headlines with a first-round KO, showcasing the depth of talent in the Canadian MMA scene.
However, it wasn't all good news for the home crowd, as Brad Katona suffered a knockout loss to Bekzat Almakhan, reminding everyone that the fight game can be unpredictable.
As UFC 315 unfolded, the excitement was palpable, with fans from all over Canada and beyond gathering to witness this historic event. It marked the UFC's return to Montreal after a decade, and the local fighters were eager to make their mark in front of a home crowd.
The night was not just a showcase of talent but also a celebration of the sport, with legends like Georges Saint-Pierre supporting the fighters and sharing their wisdom. Saint-Pierre, a former champion himself, had been seen giving advice to Fiorot ahead of her title fight, emphasizing the importance of strategy and mental fortitude in such high-stakes situations.
As the clock ticked down to the main events, fans were treated to a night filled with drama, skill, and the unpredictable nature of MMA. With Saint Denis’s victory and Fiorot’s title shot, the future of French MMA looked bright, and the fighters were determined to make history.
As the dust settled on UFC 315, one thing was clear: the night would be remembered not just for the fights but for the stories of resilience and ambition that unfolded inside the octagon. Fans are left eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this thrilling saga as the fighters continue to chase their dreams and ambitions in the world of UFC.
UFC 315 will be available for replay on RMC Sport, ensuring that fans can relive the excitement and drama of this historic night in Montreal.
