In a thrilling matchup at UFC 295, Benoit Saint-Denis left the Madison Square Garden crowd in awe with a stunning first-round knockout via a head kick against Matt Frevola.
Both hard-hitting lightweights, Frevola and Saint-Denis entered the octagon with high expectations for an action-packed bout. Hailing from nearby Long Island, Frevola had the hometown advantage, generating considerable support from the passionate New York audience.
The action began with Saint-Denis taking control early, executing a well-timed takedown that momentarily shifted the momentum. However, Frevola quickly turned the tables, showcasing his resilience by swiftly returning to his feet and delivering a slam takedown of his own. The competitors then engaged in a striking exchange at a distance, setting the stage for an intense showdown.
Benoit Saint Denis KOed Matt Frevola in R1! Benoit only started mma training in 2017! #UFC295 #UFC295Live #BenoitSaintDenis #France #FrenchMMA pic.twitter.com/t1sUODGERm
— KC Ryback (@KC_Ryback80) November 12, 2023
In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, the action reached its climax when Saint-Denis unleashed a perfectly executed head kick that caught Frevola off guard. Despite backpedaling, Frevola couldn’t evade the impact, resulting in a powerful connection that not only dropped him but also caused a significant cut.
Benoit Saint Denis knocks out Matt Frevola with one of the best KOs of 2023. #UFC295 pic.twitter.com/exwNw5xefw
— GIFSkullX (@GIFSkullX) November 12, 2023
Seizing the opportunity, Saint-Denis wasted no time and aggressively followed up, prompting the referee to intervene quickly and stop the action. The victory showcased another impressive performance from France’s Benoit Saint-Denis, solidifying his presence in the lightweight division.
In an octagon interview, Saint-Denis expressed his determination to take on the entire lightweight division. Additionally, he paid tribute to Veteran’s Day in the U.S. and Remembrance Day worldwide, emphasizing his commitment to both his country and his sport.
With this knockout victory, Benoit Saint-Denis continues to climb the ranks, eyeing future challenges in the lightweight division. Among the names he expressed interest in facing next is Mateusz Gamrot.
Official Result: Benoit Saint-Denis def. Matt Frevola by Knockout (Head Kick), Round 1, 1:31