A fervent Christian, Benoît Saint-Denis is honest about his religion: “Every time, I…

By Joël Pütz | Sports journalist

A fierce fighter in the MMA cages, Benoît Saint-Denis is very attached to religion like many of his peers. The former soldier also spoke very frankly about his link with Christianity a few months ago.

In many ways, Benoît Saint-Denis is an explosive character in the French MMA landscape. His background as a former soldier is enough to make him a unique character, allowing him to enjoy a certain popularity in the United States. In the same way as his relationship with religion, the fighter is indeed very vocal on this very important aspect within American society.

It’s no secret in France that the former protégé of coach Daniel Woirin is a practicing Christian and particularly attached to his faith. Questioned by the media Aleteia in the spring of 2023, Saint-Denis returned in detail to its practice of religion as well as the many inspirations which have forged its ideals over time:

Benoît Saint-Denis with an open heart about his relationship with faith

I’m a Christian, so I obviously try to get closer to Christ. I pray regularly for my part, I like to go to church to pray just before a deadline for example. At the same time, there is daily Christian life which allows us to follow the life of Christ to the rhythm of the seasons, Sunday masses…

I really like the gospel of the Good Samaritan. Every time I hear this passage, I am very touched. In the same vein, the figure of Saint Martin who gives a piece of his cloak to the poor speaks to me enormously, with this idea of ​​being close to the smallest.

Another very interesting subject addressed by BSD, the fact that he is so devoted to his faith even though he is a practitioner of combat sports where violence plays a primordial role. Particularly in MMA, known to be one of the toughest disciplines there is. But for the former member of the Special Forces, these two aspects of his life are not mutually exclusive:

It is a form of violence, certainly, but it is also a passion mutually shared with the adversary. Both fighters are fully committed, we give 100%, and respect is at the center of everything. This is what gives nobility to this sport, it is far from being incompatible with faith. In combat, we put ourselves “in the tough,” we agree to engage in open sporting warfare with freedom and humility. You can’t cheat or lie to yourself.

Benoît Saint-Denis is as ruthless in the octagon as he is devoted to his religion, managing to reconcile these two environments that everything seems to oppose. Enough to allow the French to lead a very fulfilled life on a personal level.