The UFC Paris co-main event featured two of the most exciting fighters on the roster.
On Saturday night, the Octagon’s return to the French capital certainly lived up to the previous events that have taken place in Paris.
The card was filled from top to bottom with huge performances and finishes before the two headlining bouts got underway.
After a new French addition to the roster earned Conor McGregor comparisons, a fighter that has received the same praise looked to silence the home crowd when Mauricio Ruffy took on Benoit Saint-Denis.
Benoit Saint-Denis dominates and submits Mauricio Ruffy on the ground at UFC Paris
While Benoit Saint-Denis has developed a reputation for being in wild fights, it was clear early on that his strategy for UFC Paris was to eliminate his opponent’s offense.
The Frenchman secured an early takedown and was able to control the majority of the opening round with his grappling.
Mauricio Ruffy was able to survive a difficult start to the fight and land some strikes in the second round before being taken down again, where he was forced to deal with some more adversity.
Saint-Denis looked to secure the rear-naked choke finish and after applying a lot of pressure, Ruffy tapped to the choke, giving his opponent the biggest win of his UFC career to date.
Ruffy has been one of the most exciting strikers in the sport since breaking into the UFC but there will be questions raised about his grappling following September 6.
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Benoit Saint-Denis is prepared to jump back inside the Octagon as soon as he’s needed
After taking little damage, especially for one of his fights, Benoit Saint-Denis is hoping to capitalize on the momentum of this win.
The French star said in his post-fight interview that he’ll be ready to go again as soon as possible just in case the UFC needs someone to step into a big matchup.
Saint-Denis specifically mentioned the Octagon’s upcoming return to Madison Square Garden in November as a card that he wants in on.