Dustin Poirier continues to have doubts about Benoit Saint Denis' ability to win at the highest level of the UFC lightweight division.
Saint Denis lost to Poirier in the first truly high profile fight of his career at UFC 299 in March 2024. He's 4-2 since then, and is coming off a 52-second submission loss to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 329 in July.
Now Saint Denis (17-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) will try to get back on track at UFC Fight Night 298 on Feb. 6 when he clashes with surging contender Quillan Salkilld (13-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC) in a five-round headliner at AfterPay Arena in Sydney (Paramount+). Poirier sees it as a tough matchup for his former foe.
"I kind of think Salkilld is going to win," Poirier said on Monday's episode of "Deep Waters" on Paramount+. "Nice
guy, but I fought him, so I felt the skill level and I just think there's more dangerous guys out there. It's a tough fight."
Salkilld, No. 9 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie lightweight rankings, has been on a stellar rise though his division. He's finished his past four opponents in Round 1, including Mateusz Gamrot and Beneil Dariush in his past two outings.
Poirier cautions No. 8-ranked Saint Denis against an overly aggressive approach against the Aussie, because it could cost him.
"He is kind of a brute in there," Poirier said. "He'll throw himself in and just crash. It's a test for both guys."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Dustin Poirier makes prediction for 'brute' Benoit Saint Denis vs. Quillan Salkilld
