Benoit Saint-Denis is still set to compete at UFC 315, but the selection of his new opponent has generated dissatisfaction among fans.
The lightweight contender`s initial opponent, Joel Alvarez, withdrew from the event last weekend due to an undisclosed injury. Following this news, many questioned whether the striking specialist Saint-Denis would remain on the UFC 315 card or be rescheduled for a later event.
The withdrawal was a significant challenge just days before UFC 315, which marks the promotion`s return to Montreal after a long absence. It represents an important opportunity for Saint-Denis, who is looking to bounce back from consecutive knockout defeats earlier in 2024.
Despite a Top 15 lightweight fighter reportedly volunteering to step in, the French star will face an opponent widely seen as a considerable step down in competition at UFC 315.
Fans Strongly Criticize Benoit Saint-Denis`s New Matchup for UFC 315
Reports indicate that Saint-Denis will now face veteran Kyle Prepolec in a lightweight bout. Prepolec has 26 professional fights and has previously competed in the UFC on two occasions, losing both times by unanimous decision to Austin Hubbard and Nordine Taleb.
Prepolec was originally scheduled to fight Michael Dufort at a Samourai MMA event just before receiving the call to compete against Saint-Denis on short notice for UFC 315.
Upon the announcement of the Saint-Denis vs. Prepolec fight, many fight fans expressed their disappointment.
“This is awful considering the potential available options,” one fan commented online.
“Free win for BSD,” another stated.
“Fair play to him, but he’s well up there in years.”
Fans also expressed frustration, with one saying, “You guys fumbled Benoit vs. Rebecki. Benoit in 1.”
“Who is that guy?” queried another.
“Saying no to Gamrot and then taking this fight. SMH.”
“They doing anything to let Benoit get a win.”
“Even I`m Canadian and I`ve never heard of this guy,” one commented.
“Tell me this is a joke, please,” read another reaction.
“Can’t even imagine what the odds are gonna look like.”
Saint-Denis aims to bounce back from the first losing streak of his professional MMA career, following defeats to Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano last year. Before these recent struggles, Saint-Denis had secured five consecutive victories, including impressive finishes over Ismael Bonfim and Thiago Moises.
While Prepolec`s previous UFC appearances were not particularly impactful, he has achieved a strong record in his recent fights, winning four of his last five bouts, including three knockout victories.
UFC Hall of Famer Praises Belal Muhammad Ahead of UFC 315
With Saint-Denis`s fight confirmed, focus shifts to the rest of the intriguing card scheduled for Saturday night. UFC 315 is headlined by UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad`s first title defense against Jack Della Maddalena.
Leading up to UFC 315, Muhammad received significant praise from UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre. St-Pierre, who is among the all-time great welterweights Muhammad aspires to emulate, called Muhammad a `complete package` and likened his fighting style to his own during his legendary career.
Ian Machado Garry is expected to serve as the backup fighter for the main event, although Muhammad has expressed confidence that a replacement won`t be necessary this weekend. Garry recently secured a victory over Carlos Prates at UFC Kansas City.
Rupert Hartwell