MMA Match Preview: Kyle Prepolec (18-8, 2 UFC) vs. Benoit Saint-Denis (13-3, 5-3 UFC)
Date: May 10, 2025
Event: UFC 315
Venue: Bell Centre, Montreal, Canada
Division: Lightweight (155 lbs)
Broadcast: ESPN+ Pay-Per-View
Fight Overview
Kyle Prepolec (18-8, 0-2 UFC) steps in on short notice to face Benoit Saint-Denis (13-3, 5-3 UFC) in a high-stakes lightweight clash at UFC 315. Originally, Saint-Denis was scheduled to fight Joel Alvarez, but Alvarez withdrew due to a hand injury, leaving Prepolec with a golden opportunity to return to the UFC after a five-year absence.
Fighter Profiles
Kyle Prepolec (“Killshot”)
- Record: 18-8 (0-2 UFC)
- Age: 35
- Height: 5’10”
- Reach: 70″
- Fighting Style: Kickboxing, wrestling, Kyokushin karate
- Key Strengths: Knockout power, aggressive striking
- Recent Fight: Won via first-round knockout in regional competition
Prepolec has rebuilt his career since his 0-2 UFC stint in 2019, racking up a 4-1 record with three consecutive first-round knockouts. He was originally scheduled for a regional main event on May 9 but now finds himself on the biggest stage in Canadian MMA.
Benoit Saint-Denis (“God of War”)
- Record: 13-3 (5-3 UFC)
- Age: 29
- Height: 5’11”
- Reach: 73″
- Fighting Style: Aggressive grappling, relentless pressure
- Key Strengths: Submission skills, durability, cardio
- Recent Fight: Lost via second-round knockout to Renato Moicano
Saint-Denis, a former French Army Special Forces soldier, is known for his grit and aggression. After a five-fight finishing streak, he suffered back-to-back TKO losses to Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano, raising questions about his durability. UFC 315 was supposed to be his bounce-back moment, but Alvarez’s withdrawal forced a last-minute opponent change.
Statistical Comparison
| Fighter | Strikes Landed Per Minute | Striking Accuracy | Takedown Average | Takedown Defense |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Prepolec | 3.85 | 42% | 1.2 per 15 min | 60% |
| Benoit Saint-Denis | 4.92 | 48% | 2.88 per 15 min | 71% |
Saint-Denis has the edge in striking volume and takedowns, but Prepolec’s knockout power could be a factor.
Fight Breakdown & Prediction
1. Can Prepolec Pull Off the Upset?
Prepolec has nothing to lose, stepping in on five days’ notice. His aggressive striking could pose problems for Saint-Denis, who has been knocked out twice in a row.
2. Saint-Denis’ Pressure & Grappling
Saint-Denis thrives in high-paced fights, using his relentless wrestling to wear down opponents. If he can close the distance and secure takedowns, he should control the fight.
FIGHT ODDS
Kyle Prepolec + 700
Benoit Saint-Denis – 1100
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 9, 2025
