GOD OF WAR
I’m a UFC 299 star who fought terrorists in Africa, now I’m on course to fight for the LW title if I beat Poirier
The Frenchman has gone from taking out terrorists to taking out lightweights
BENOIT Saint-Denis is on the cusp of breaking into the upper echelons of the UFC's lightweight division.
"The God of War" will look to make himself a bonafide 155-pound contender tonight in the co-main event of UFC 299 in Miami.
9
9
9
9
Standing between the Frenchman and the cusp of title contention is former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier.
The pressure is well and truly on the 28-year-old Bayonne bruiser to deliver in the biggest spot of his career.
But high-pressured situations are something he's well accustomed to following a five-year stint in the French army.
Saint-Denis began his army career in the Infantry Paratroopers Regiment of the Special Forces Command before joining his country's counter-terrorism unit.
READ MORE IN MMA
BDS was based in Africa during his time in the Special Air Services and found himself in combat against multiple insurgent groups.
Recalling his time in the army, he told The Telegraph, “I was in the French Special Air Service.
“It comes from you guys in Great Britain in the Second World War, it got created to destroy German aircraft in North Africa.
"And the special forces went on from there. In the UK it still exists as the SAS [Special Air Service].
Most read in MMA
9
"I was part of a unit in France, and I was mostly in Africa – Mali, Burkina Faso – fighting against terrorist groups like Boko Haram.
"So, it was mostly counter-terrorism.”
Benoit Saint-Denis, https://www.instagram.com/benoitst_denis/?hl=en
Saint-Denis followed in the footsteps of his father by enlisting in the army but had previously emulated his old man by trying his hand at martial arts - getting a black belt in judo.
He continued his martial arts journey during his time in the service and would go on to impress the former coach of UFC middle and light-heavyweight champions Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida Daniel Woirin.
It was Woirin who played a role in Saint-Denis leaving the armed forces to try his hand at mixed martial arts.
And like many burgeoning mixed martial artists before, Saint-Denis - who gave himself two years to make it to the UFC - struggled to make ends meet.
“Of course, it was difficult [early on in my career]," he admitted. “I moved to Paris to live in a 20m room.
"And all I did was train, eat and sleep for two years.
"It was difficult to leave my friends and everything I had back in Bayonne, where I was serving.
"Now I’m back there, because I managed to have success in my MMA career, so I’m very happy.
9
9
9
"But yes, in the beginning, it’s always difficult.
"But you know what? ‘Who dares wins’ is the motto of the regiment, so I followed it.”
Saint-Denis would make it to MMA's top promotion a little over two years after making his professional debut.
The 28-year-old suffered defeat in his first outing at welterweight but has been an unstoppable force since dropping down to 155 pounds, winning all of his five outings inside the distance.
But he's yet to face an experienced and savvy veteran like Poirier, although he's confident of ushering the fan favourite into retirement.
He said, “I will be very honoured to be his last fight but it’s his decision.
Read More on The US Sun
"And I don’t know which shape he is in but we will find out on Saturday night.
"He’s a great fighter and I’m very happy to face him on Saturday and I know it’s going to be a bloody battle.”
9