Saint Preux was expected to face Rafael Cavalcante on November 8, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 56. However, Cavalcante pulled out of the bout citing injury and was replaced by Francimar Barroso. However, on October 29, it was announced that Saint Preux would step up to replace an injured Jimi Manuwa in the main event against Maurício Rua. Despite being the underdog and fighting in Rua's home country of Brazil, Saint Preux won the fight via knockout just 34 seconds into the first round. Shogun's loss to Preux was the fastest defeat of his professional career. The win also earned Saint Preux his second Performance of the Night bonus award.