UFC 315 is set to take place this weekend at the Centre Bell in Montreal, featuring a highly anticipated card that includes two prominent French fighters: Manon Fiorot and Benoît Saint Denis. This event, occurring on the night of May 10 to May 11, 2025, could mark a historic moment for French mixed martial arts (MMA), with Fiorot aiming to become the first French woman to capture a UFC title.
Fiorot, undefeated in her seven previous UFC fights, will challenge the reigning champion Valentina Shevchenko for the -57 kg title. This matchup is particularly significant as no French athlete has ever held an undisputed title in the UFC, making Fiorot’s quest not just a personal goal but a national milestone. Shevchenko, a seasoned champion, is entering her twelfth consecutive title fight, which adds to the stakes of this encounter.
Meanwhile, Benoît Saint Denis, known as "BSD," is looking to bounce back from two tough losses in 2024. After a promising streak of five consecutive victories, Saint Denis faced setbacks against Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano. His upcoming fight against Canadian Kyle Prepolec is crucial; a loss could jeopardize his ranking and future prospects in the lightweight division (-70 kg).
Originally, Saint Denis was scheduled to face Joel Alvarez, but Alvarez withdrew due to a hand injury. Prepolec, stepping in on short notice, brings a record of 18 wins and 8 losses, and he is currently on a three-fight knockout streak. Although Prepolec is seen as an underdog, the pressure is on Saint Denis to deliver a strong performance to avoid being pushed out of the top 15 rankings.
As UFC 315 approaches, the excitement is palpable among fans and fighters alike. The main card kicks off at 4 AM French time, with Saint Denis vs. Prepolec opening the night, followed by other thrilling matchups including Fiorot vs. Shevchenko around 5:30 AM and Belal Muhammad defending his welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena at 6 AM.
Saint Denis has been vocal about the importance of this fight, stating, "Now I no longer have the right to make mistakes," reflecting the high stakes of his situation. He has also made significant changes to his training regimen, parting ways with his longtime coach Daniel Woirin and bringing in Nicolas Ott as his new head coach. This transition aims to revitalize his approach and prepare him for the challenges ahead.
In a recent podcast, Saint Denis shared insights into his difficult year, saying, "2024 was an emotionally challenging year, but I am happy to return having learned valuable lessons." His commitment to improvement and adaptation will be put to the test as he steps into the octagon against Prepolec.
The fight card is stacked with talent, and the stakes are high for all competitors. The preliminary card begins at 2 AM, featuring matchups like Alexa Grasso vs. Natalia Silva and José Aldo vs. Aiemann Zahabi, promising an action-packed night for MMA enthusiasts.
As the event draws near, fans are reminded that the only way to watch UFC 315 in France is through RMC Sport 1, which will broadcast the entire event live. With the possibility of history being made by Fiorot and the critical matchup for Saint Denis, UFC 315 is shaping up to be a landmark event for French MMA.
In summary, UFC 315 not only represents a chance for personal redemption for Benoît Saint Denis but also a pivotal moment for Manon Fiorot as she seeks to etch her name in the annals of UFC history. With the eyes of the MMA world on Montreal, the fighters are ready to deliver unforgettable performances.
