Moicano Offers Saint Denis Place at American Top Team
After Renato Moicano stopped Benoît Saint Denis by doctor’s stoppage in Paris in September 2024, he offered him a place to train at American Top Team in Florida. The suggestion came with a pointed assessment: Saint Denis’ relentless pressure was a strength, but also left him open when opponents could keep him at range.
The offer after Paris
Moicano won their main event at Accor Arena when the doctor stopped the fight at the end of round two. In his post-fight remarks, he said he respected Saint Denis but believed the Frenchman should step outside his comfort zone and work with a different team. Moicano specifically invited him to American Top Team, where he trains in South Florida, as L’Équipe reported.
His technical point was that the pressure that makes Saint Denis dangerous can also create openings if he cannot land cleanly. The stoppage followed a one-sided first round, while Saint Denis had looked more competitive before the bout was halted.
Saint Denis’ response in the cage
Saint Denis returned with submission wins over Kyle Prepolec in May 2025 and Maurício Ruffy in September, then stopped Dan Hooker in round two in January 2026. Paddy Pimblett ended that run by submitting him with a D’Arce choke in 52 seconds in July. The official fight record confirms the latest result. Moicano’s invitation remains a snapshot of their post-fight exchange; the results since then give a fuller picture of Saint Denis’ recovery and setbacks.
Sources
- lequipe.fr
- ufc.com
