Lightweight Co-Main Event: Benoit Saint-Denis vs Mauricio Ruffy prediction.
Fighter Overview:
- Benoit Saint-Denis (14-3-0, 1 NC, #18 UFC Lightweight): A grappling specialist with 8 submissions, Saint-Denis averages 3.8 takedowns per 15 minutes and excels in ground control. His striking lands at 4.12 significant strikes per minute, but his 52% striking defense leaves him vulnerable.
- Mauricio Ruffy (12-1-0, #17 UFC Lightweight): Ruffy is a knockout artist with 9 KOs, landing 5.2 significant strikes per minute at 60% accuracy. His grappling is competent, with 70% takedown defense, but he prefers to keep fights standing.
Analysis:
Saint-Denis’s aggressive grappling and submission game could overwhelm Ruffy if he secures takedowns and establishes ground control, where he averages over 5 minutes of top time per fight.
However, Ruffy’s explosive striking power and speed—highlighted by his ability to land heavy counters—may exploit Saint-Denis’s occasionally reckless advances.
Ruffy’s takedown defense will be tested; if he stuffs attempts, his superior striking volume and accuracy could lead to a TKO.
On the ground, Saint-Denis’s transitions and submission chains give him an edge in control, but Ruffy’s scrambling and power from bottom positions add danger.
Analysts suggest this could be a rude awakening for Saint-Denis due to Ruffy’s striking, making it a high-action co-main.
Benoit Saint-Denis vs Mauricio Ruffy Prediction:
Mauricio Ruffy via second-round TKO.