Saint-Denis flags more conservative approach for UFC Paris

Frenchman Benoit Saint-Denis is eager to return to winning ways when he takes on Renato Moicano in the UFC Paris main event this Saturday night.

The lightweight was tracking well in the division with five straight wins before losing to Dustin Poirier earlier this year at UFC 299.

With the loss sending him down to No.12 in the lightweight rankings, Saint-Denis sees this weekend’s fight against No.11 contender Moicano as a prime opportunity to rebuild his title credentials.

“Everything is open. Everything is to take,” the 28-year-old declared at Wednesday’s media event in Paris.

“I’m here to take everything I can.

“First off, I need to put on a huge performance against Moicano.

“He’s a tough fight. I’m expecting a tough fight, and it’s going to be a war.

“Expect me to do my best to climb the division.”

Saint-Denis explained that he is looking to take a slightly more conservative approach against Moicano after his overly aggressive style led to a second-round knockout against Poirier.

“Of course, what we want is the same fighter with a bit more responsibility defensively,” he said.

“This has been one of the keys around my preparation, and I’m ready to give a war and show this off.

“I’m a complete mixed martial artist, so it can go anywhere.

“We will bring it anywhere we can have our way.”

UFC bookmakers are confident in the home favourite’s chances of returning to the winners’ circle.

Bovada puts Saint-Denis as a -277.78 favourite to win the fight, with Moicano at +225 odds.

A knockout by the Frenchman looms as the most likely method of victory at +110, while both are paying +350 to win via submission.

Saint-Denis and Moicano will headline a heavily French main card that has a local fighter in all six bouts, with Nassourdine Imavov and Brendan Allen clashing in the co-main event.

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