Sports
Moicano Defeats Saint Denis via Doctor’s Stoppage at UFC Paris
During the latest UFC Fight Night held in Paris, Renato Moicano delivered a commanding performance, defeating Benoît Saint Denis by doctor’s stoppage after two rounds. This high-profile event took place at the Accor Arena and witnessed Moicano dominating from the outset, much to the disappointment of the local crowd.
Moicano, a prominent figure in the UFC lightweight division, entered the bout ranked at No. 11 and riding the momentum of a three-fight winning streak. Right from the opening moments of the fight, Moicano set the tone by aggressively pushing forward, successfully executing a takedown within the first seconds. Following this, he swiftly transitioned to Saint Denis’s back, employing a body triangle and raining down punches and elbows.
Despite a valiant effort by Saint Denis to weather the onslaught, the damage was significant, leaving him with a bloodied face and swollen eyes. As the second round commenced, Saint Denis showed resilience by improving his striking and defending against further takedowns. However, Moicano maintained strategic patience, utilizing his jab effectively to exacerbate the swelling around Saint Denis’s eyes.
Ultimately, the extent of the injuries led to the cageside doctor halting the fight before the third round. The call was made due to Saint Denis’s inability to see out of his right eye, prompting the referee’s intervention. For Moicano, this victory marks his fourth consecutive win, further solidifying his position in the lightweight rankings.
In his post-fight interview, Moicano, who has accumulated an impressive record of 20 wins against 5 losses and 1 draw in mixed martial arts, expressed confidence in his future prospects and issued a challenge to the division. “I want easy money — ‘Money’ Moicano,” he stated, emphasizing his desire for less challenging opponents in future bouts.
Benoît Saint Denis, who hails from the Bayonne region in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France, has now suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time in his career. Prior to today’s loss, he was knocked out in March and is expected to drop in the lightweight rankings following the decisive performance by Moicano.