The UFC 299 co-main event between Dustin Poirier and Benoit Saint-Denis always promised to be a war. Poirier, a black belt in BJJ and a known KO artist, against BSD, a former French Special Forces member who won his last five UFC fights via stoppage. The American, however, proved to be the God of this war as he won via a brutal KO. Former two-division champion Conor McGregor also congratulated Poirier for his win.
Great fight out of them French boys tonight! Toutes nos félicitations @DustinPoirier @BenoitSt_Denis @EmmanuelMacron 🇫🇷
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) March 10, 2024
McGregor last fought in the UFC Octagon at UFC 264 in July 2021. He broke his leg during that fight against Poirier. ‘Diamond’ who is 2-1 over McGregor earned his old foe’s respect with his fight against BSD. McGregor took to X and wrote, “Great fight out of them French boys tonight! Toutes nos félicitations [Congratulations to you] @DustinPoirier @BenoitSt_Denis @EmmanuelMacron [France flag emoji].”
What fans may have missed is that McGregor might be pointing toward Poirier’s heritage with his mention on X. Poirier is of Cajun heritage. These are people of French ethnicity found in the US state of Louisiana. Poirier was born in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Dustin Poirier knocked out Benoit Saint-Denis in the second round at UFC 299
Coming to the fight between Poirier and Saint-Denis, in the first round, Poirier kept attempting the guillotine while BSD tried to take him down and strike him. The French fighter seemed to have the stronger first round as Poirier looked tired and out of ideas.
DUSTIN POIRIER JUST SLEPT SAINT DENIS #UFC299 pic.twitter.com/sQkTedU0bo
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) March 10, 2024
During the break, Poirier’s team specifically told him not to attempt any more guillotines. However, straight off the block, Poirier attempted guillotines again. He was tired as BSD kept wearing him down. But, after creating separation, Poirier found openings and struck the French fighter. Halfway into the second round Poirier struck the final blow with his right hand and earned a KO win.
Dustin Poirier showed immense respect to French fighter Benoit Saint-Denis
During his post-fight interview inside the Octagon with Joe Rogan, Poirier was all-praise for Saint-Denis. Rogan also acknowledged the fact that Poirier took this fight on even though he was one of the top-ranked fighters and Saint-Denis was not.
Poirier said, “Dude, he was pretty strong… I took this fight because he finished his last five opponents. He wasn’t a name that the world really knows. He’s on his way up… And he’s dangerous. Every win in his professional career, he’s finished. And, he has a never-say-die attitude.”
Dustin Poirier is a real one and we’re lucky to have him in this sport 💯#UFC299 | Live on TNT Sports & discovery+ pic.twitter.com/XX1sbpEoV6
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) March 10, 2024
Even after the fight, Poirier was seen talking to Saint-Denis in a moment of respect between the two fighters. Poirier will likely be hoping for a title fight next. He was seen talking to UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz about a fight in June. It is unknown how that would go forward. On the other hand, Saint-Denis might have to return to a lower-ranked opponent and earn his big opportunity.