Get to know the betting odds, predictions and picks for the upcoming Benoit Saint-Denis vs Kyle Prepolec fight
The UFC’s return to Montreal this weekend brings fans a clash that showcases one of the most extreme betting lines on the entire card. French powerhouse Benoit Saint-Denis squares off against late replacement Kyle Prepolec in what oddsmakers see as a massive mismatch. The Bell Centre crowd will witness this lightweight battle as part of UFC 315’s stacked lineup on Saturday night. Fight fans know that last-minute replacements sometimes bring the biggest surprises in combat sports.
Benoit Saint-Denis has quickly emerged as one of the UFC’s most captivating rising stars. He has earned a cult following thanks to his relentless pressure, durability, and no-quit mentality. A former French Special Forces operator, Saint-Denis brings a unique level of grit and discipline to the Octagon, combining his military mindset with a well-rounded MMA skill set. Last year hasn’t been too kind for him as he has been on a 2 fight losing streak. He will look to get back in the win column this weekend at UFC 315.
For Kyle Prepolec, this fight is a second chance, and it comes with high stakes. After going 0-2 in his first UFC stint back in 2019, the Canadian returned to the regional circuit, where he rebuilt his resume with solid wins and improved composure. Now stepping in on short notice to replace Joel Alvarez, Prepolec gets a golden opportunity to rewrite his UFC story in front of a home crowd.
The betting odds tell the story of this matchup better than words ever could. According to BetMGM, Saint-Denis stands as a massive -1400 favorite ($10 pays out $10.71). Meanwhile, Prepolec is coming back as a +800 underdog ($10 pays out $90).
These numbers represent one of the most lopsided matchups fans will find in high-level MMA. Such extreme UFC betting odds make sense when examining the fighters’ trajectories. Saint-Denis has become a wrecking ball in the lightweight division with his blend of powerful striking and relentless grappling pressure. His only UFC losses have come against top-tier competition. Prepolec, meanwhile, enters this fight on short notice after being previously cut from the promotion.
*These are the latest UFC betting odds. They are subject to change.
This fight embodies the classic risk-reward scenario every short-notice replacement faces. Prepolec has absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain. His best strategy involves catching Saint-Denis being overconfident in the early exchanges. If he can weather the initial storm and drag Saint-Denis into deeper waters, perhaps home crowd energy might give him a second wind.
Saint-Denis brings dangerous skills in every area of the fight. His striking has improved tremendously since his early UFC days, and his submission game remains a constant threat. His path to victory seems straightforward. He must apply relentless pressure from the opening bell, mix strikes with takedown attempts, and don’t give Prepolec any breathing room to settle into a rhythm.
If we bet on the fight, we are going with Benoit Saint-Denis to win by KO in the second round.
(Image Credit: Wendell Cruz – Imagn Images)
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