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Benoit Saint Denis could be probably the most constant offensive power within the light-weight division. Dan Hooker isn’t any stranger to powerful fights, however he melted beneath the sustained strain that Saint Denis introduced at UFC 325.
Saint Denis’ evolution was a speaking level heading into Saturday’s occasion. Previous habits die exhausting, nonetheless, as his technical developments typically took a backseat to his aggressive instincts. Hooker provided severe resistance early with physique kicks that visibly damage Saint Denis. In the end, Saint Denis’ relentlessness pressured crucial errors from “The Hangman.”
“I needed to resort to previous Saint Denis,” the Frenchman mentioned in Saturday’s post-fight interview. “Search and destroy shit.”
Comply with stay updates on UFC 325: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes as occasion debuts on Paramount+
Hooker labored exhausting to negate Saint Denis’ wrestling by searching guillotine chokes and never settling for backside place. Amid the chaos, Hooker mistakenly pursued his personal takedown. Saint Denis landed in a very advantageous place. Saint Denis, from the start levels of a mounted triangle, trapped Hooker’s arm and reigned down elbows. Hooker finally freed his arm, solely to fend off a good arm triangle choke. By way of grit and a slender airway, Hooker survived the submission try.
Saint Denis deserted what little warning he exercised within the struggle, posturing up and throwing an elbow barrage that busted Hooker open. Referee Herb Dean gave Hooker each probability to flee, however the veteran light-weight solely managed to cowl up. The struggle was dominated a TKO victory for Saint Denis at 4:45 of Spherical 2.
Publish-fight, Saint Denis demanded both a light-weight or BMF title shot. Saint Denis referred to as out Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira by title, but in addition had one different fighter in thoughts.
“Arman Tsarukyan, you say you are the No. 1 contender? I am right here to take your f—ing spot.”
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