Benoit Saint Denis French Special Forces Connection: All About UFC Star’s Military Career

Benoit Saint Denis is preparing for another career-defining moment as he faces Maurício Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 258 in Paris on September 6, 2025. Ranked 13th in the UFC lightweight division, the Frenchman has quickly established himself as one of the sport’s toughest fighters. Now, Saint Denis enters his homecoming bout with massive momentum after his submission win at UFC 315.

The matchup with Ruffy is more than just a ranking test. It’s a matchup between an established powerhouse and a rising contender with a 12-1 record. For many fans, Benoit Saint Denis’ identity as ‘The God of War’ goes beyond the cage. His time in the French Special Forces shaped his toughness, discipline, and mindset, which continue to define him inside the Octagon, and today, we will take a look at that very crucial military career and background that many fans may not be aware of.

Benoit Saint Denis and the French Special Forces

Benoit Saint Denis was born in Nîmes on December 18, 1995, and grew up as the eldest of five brothers. His father, a French Army officer with a judo background, and his mother, a teacher, gave him structure and inspiration. Martial arts came early for him: he trained in judo at age eight in France and Germany and finally earned a black belt.

That foundation, coupled with rugby and football, provided him with the competitive edge he needed for his military and fighting careers. At the age of 18, Saint Denis decided to pursue a path of service. He joined the 1st Marine Infantry Paratroopers Regiment, a unit of France’s elite Special Forces Command, and later became a French Special Air Service operator.

By 2017, his dedication had been rewarded with the Medal of the Nation’s Gratitude and the Combatant’s Cross. For five years, his life was centered on deployments, training, and conflict zones. He often referred to the period as transformative, describing it as the years that turned “a kid into a man.”

And also, his nickname, ‘The God of War,’ was born from that time. “I chose it because I’ve been doing war since I’m 18,” he once recalled. “It was an adventurous life, and I’m proud of that journey.” Well, it sure looks like he loved being a military man, and why wouldn’t he? After all, that same career also helped shape his fighting style.

Military Training That Shaped UFC Star’s Fighting Style

The Frenchman’s time in the Special Forces left a lasting impact on how he trains and competes. The parallels between military missions and fight camps were clear to him. “You have a training camp for a fight, you have preparation for a mission,” he once said. “As a special forces operator, you plan, you prepare, and you execute—it’s the same in MMA.”

This philosophy is reflected in his approach within the Octagon. His style is relentless, based on pressure, endurance, and breaking down opponents both mentally and physically. Mental toughness is truly what sets Benoit Saint Denis apart. Having faced life-or-death situations, he enters fights with a perspective that few can match.

Adversity inside the cage, whether from a tough opponent or exhaustion, pales in comparison to the challenges of combat. Discipline is another hallmark. Just as soldiers follow strict protocols, Saint Denis maintains a regimented approach to training. Every fight camp, like every mission, has a goal, a strategy, and a desire for perfection.

Transition from Soldier to UFC Fighter

Benoit Saint Denis quit the military in March 2019, after five years of service, to pursue a professional mixed martial arts career. It was a decision he had long considered, seeing combat sports as a natural extension of his warrior spirit. His background in military service first made him an outsider in MMA, but it also gave him credibility.

Fans and fellow fighters recognized his discipline, composure, and fearlessness from the start. He approached the cage as if it were another battlefield, where planning and execution were key. Within a few years, ‘The God of War’ rose up the ranks, winning fights with a combination of grit and technique sharpened through martial arts and the mental edge of his military past.

Now, as he prepares to fight in Paris again, the full weight of his journey comes into focus. Benoit Saint Denis epitomizes the ethos of a modern warrior, from judo mats as a child to counterte***rism missions in Africa and now the UFC spotlight. His story is about more than just winning or losing fights; it’s about transitioning from soldier to athlete and carrying the lessons of war onto the biggest stage in combat sports.