In a highly anticipated matchup, Benua Sen-Deni is set to face Kyle Prepolek at UFC 305 on May 11, 2025, in Montreal, Canada. The lightweight bout will take place at the Bell Center, a venue that accommodates around 21,000 spectators, with the fight expected to begin at 03:00 Moscow time.
Benua Sen-Deni, known as "The God of War," has an unblemished record, boasting 13 victories in MMA, all of which have come by way of finish—9 by submission and 4 by knockout. His last fight against Matt Frevola in 2023 showcased his grappling prowess, where he executed 2 takedowns and finished his opponent on the ground. However, Sen-Deni has shown vulnerabilities in his striking defense, suffering knockouts in 2 of his 3 career losses, including defeats to Dustin Porier and Renato Moicano. He lands an impressive 53% of his strikes but also allows an average of 4.2 strikes per minute, indicating a need for improvement in his defensive tactics.
At 29 years old, Sen-Deni is at the peak of his physical condition and possesses exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo skills. His recent performances have been a mixed bag; after winning five of his first six UFC fights, he faced setbacks with two technical knockout losses in 2024. Currently ranked 13th in the UFC lightweight division, Sen-Deni is eager to return to winning ways and prove that he is still a formidable contender.
On the other side of the octagon, 35-year-old Kyle Prepolek, nicknamed "Killshot," is making a return to the UFC after a series of fights in other promotions. He is known for his knockout power, having secured 10 of his 18 career victories by way of knockout. However, his fight history reveals a pattern of inconsistency; 4 of his 8 losses have come by decision, suggesting potential issues with endurance as fights progress. Prepolek is particularly dangerous in the early rounds, with 6 of his knockouts occurring before the 5th minute.
Prepolek’s takedown defense is a glaring weakness, sitting at only 40%, which could be exploited by Sen-Deni’s grappling skills. Additionally, Prepolek's short notice for this fight—only 5 days to prepare—could hinder his performance against a fighter of Sen-Deni's caliber. Despite these challenges, he enters the cage with momentum, having recently achieved a knockout victory over Brazilian Gustavo Vurlitzer in the first round during a BTC tournament in June 2024.
The betting odds reflect the perception of this matchup, with Sen-Deni heavily favored at 1.08 to win, compared to Prepolek's odds of 7.00. The total for rounds is set at over 1.5, priced at 1.92. Analysts predict that Sen-Deni will likely aim to take the fight to the ground, utilizing his superior grappling to secure a victory, especially given Prepolek's struggles with takedown defense and his history of submission losses.
As the fight approaches, the stakes are high for both fighters. For Sen-Deni, it’s a chance to bounce back from recent defeats and reaffirm his place in the UFC. For Prepolek, this bout represents a golden opportunity to prove himself after a rocky start in the promotion and to capitalize on his striking abilities against a fighter who may be hesitant to engage in stand-up exchanges.
In conclusion, the matchup between Benua Sen-Deni and Kyle Prepolek promises excitement and potential drama, with both fighters having their unique strengths and weaknesses. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see if Sen-Deni can execute his game plan effectively or if Prepolek can pull off an upset in front of a roaring Montreal crowd. As the fight night draws near, anticipation builds for what could be a thrilling encounter in the octagon.
