Benoit Saint Denis: “I’m here to take everything I can get”

Benoit Saint Denis plans to re-establish himself as a UFC lightweight contender with a statement against Renato Moicano.

Saint Denis (13-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) will face Moicano (19-5-1 MMA, 11-5 UFC) in the main event of UFC Fight Night 243 (ESPN+) on Saturday at Accor Arena in Paris. Saint Denis' five-fight winning streak was snapped by Dustin Poirier at UFC 299 in March. The “God of War” plans to pick up right where he left off against Moicano.

“Everything is open. Everything is up for grabs,” Saint Denis told reporters Wednesday at UFC Fight Night 243 media day (h/t La Sueur). “I'm here to take everything I can get. First of all, I have to put on a great performance against Moicano. He's a tough fight. I expect a tough fight and it's going to be a war. Expect me to do my best to move up in the division.”

Although Saint Denis was battling a staph infection before his fight against Poirier, his excessive aggressiveness caused him to be knocked out in the second round. He has sought the help of a new striking coach for this training camp.

“Of course we want the same fighter with a little more responsibility on the defensive,” said Saint Denis. “That was one of the keys to my preparation and I'm ready to fight and show that.”

Moicano has relied on his ground game throughout his career, finishing four of his last six victories by submission, but Saint Denis is confident he can handle him anywhere.

“I'm a complete mixed martial artist, so I can take it anywhere,” Saint Denis said. “We'll take it anywhere we can.”

For more information on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 243.