Moicano vs Saint-Denis fight preview & betting picks | UFC Paris

Renato Moicano will take on Benoit Saint-Denis in the UFC Paris main event at Accor Arena this Saturday night, and it promises to be a fascinating clash of styles. Both lightweights are ranked in the top 15, but leading UFC bookmakers have installed local hero Saint-Denis as a short-priced favourite. Read on for a full fight preview and betting strategy.

Moicano vs Saint-Denis main event preview

Renato Moicano vs Benoit Saint-Denis

Renato Moicano (19-5-1) has excellent recent form, with five wins from his last six contests. The 35-year-old rallied to beat Jalin Turner via TKO in April, prevailed over Drew Dober by decision in February, and choked out Brad Riddell in December 2022. The Brazilian is nearing the end of his career but might be underestimated going into this bout.

Moicano is not a huge striker but has an elite ground game, with 10 submissions as a professional. If he can weather an early stand-up storm, Moicano might be able to use his grappling in the latter stages. He has also improved his ground-and-pound in recent times, so fighting on the mat will be the preferred option against a proven kickboxer.

Benoit Saint-Denis (13-2-0) is looking to bounce back from a devastating knockout loss to Dustin Poirier in March. The 28-year-old entered that bout on a five-fight win streak and was priced at short odds to march over the veteran. The Frenchman gassed badly, however, and had no answers for the relentless pressure of Poirier.

Saint-Denis is a well-rounded athlete who combines heavy strikes with natural finishing ability. Only one of his fights has been settled by the judges, resulting in a loss to Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos in 2021. While this attack-heavy strategy might delight fans, Saint-Denis might be wise to pace himself following the loss to Poirier. That will be easier said than done in front of a raucous Parisian crowd.

Moicano vs Saint-Denis UFC Paris predictions

Saint-Denis ticks a lot of boxes and is heavily favoured with top UFC betting sites. He is younger, fresher, and boasts superior striking. The obvious query is whether he can fight with the same flair and confidence after the knockout defeat in March. Many fighters return tentative and reluctant to engage following such a complete capitulation.

The two potential outcomes appear to be a Moicano victory by submission over a tiring opponent, or a Saint-Denis knockout during the opening rounds. Both options can be backed for a small profit, but given his hometown support, we are leaning slightly toward Saint-Denis to score the finish.

Sports betting picks