Benoit Saint-Denis made one of the biggest statements of UFC 322 with a stunning 16-second knockout of Beneil Dariush — and now he’s aiming even higher.
The French contender’s third straight finish has pushed him back into the lightweight title conversation, where Ilia Topuria currently holds the belt. But Saint-Denis says he wants more than just the divisional crown.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, he revealed that capturing Max Holloway’s BMF title is also part of his “absolute goal.”
Holloway won the symbolic BMF belt in July by defeating Dustin Poirier in their trilogy bout at UFC 318, adding another milestone to his legendary career. That victory has now made him a target for Saint-Denis, who wants both belts on his résumé.
“I am blessed to be in this division,” Saint-Denis said. “Any fight inside the top five will be huge. My absolute goal is to get that BMF and that lightweight belt.”
Meanwhile, Dariush addressed his knockout loss on Instagram, writing only: “I’m alright. Not injured, just disappointed.” After three KO losses in four fights, questions about his future continue to grow.
