- Saint-Denis landed a head kick to eliminate Frevola in less than two minutes
- Saint Denis called out Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier, both of whom were sitting next to the cage
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Rising lightweight prospect Benoit Saint-Denis shocked the New York City crowd by knocking out No. 14 seed Matt Frevola in the first round of their UFC 295 showdown. After one minute and 31 seconds, the Frenchman landed a head kick to score the knockout.
Saint-Denis, who served in the French Army’s special forces, began his post-battle interview by honoring fellow veterans.
“Tonight is all about fighting, not just in the cage,” Saint Denis said. “It’s Veterans Day. I’m very happy to be here at Madison Square Garden.”
Saint-Denis then called out the best fighters from a talent-filled lightweight division. He mentioned Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, both of whom were sitting next to the cage. He also called out lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
“I better get that BMF title,” Saint Denis added, referring to the “baddest motherf*****” belt. ‘I come for everyone.’
Benoit Saint-Denis knocked out Matt Frevola in the first round of their fight at UFC 295
Saint-Denis called out lightweight star and BMF titleholder Justin Gaethje after his win
Saint-Denis was booed during his walkout and induction when the crowd at Madison Square Garden favored Long Island native Frevola.
However, after scoring the impressive knockout, the New York City crowd showed their appreciation and applauded the Frenchman.
Saint-Denis has now won his last five fights and improved his MMA record to 14-1 and 5-1 in the UFC.
Saint-Denis reiterated his desire for a fight with Gaethje for the BMF title after the big screen showed The Human Highlight during his post-fight interview.
“(Gaethje) I’m a big fan, but I’m going to give you more,” he said.
In the co-main event of the card, Tom Aspinall became the third Briton UFC champion in history by sensationally knocking out Russian powerhouse Sergei Pavlovich in the first round to claim the interim heavyweight title.