With PFL Paris in our rearview and GLORY 91 and Bellator Champions Series fast approaching the City of Lights, get ready to dive into combat sport’s new hotbed, Combat Francais. 🥊✨ From the bustling streets of Paris to the picturesque countryside, France is buzzing with excitement as it cements its place in the global MMA and striking landscape.
Embrace the French Flair: Exploring the Dynamic World of MMA
The recent PFL Paris (and KSW 93) shows have marked a monumental moment for MMA in France, showcasing the raw talent and unyielding spirit of French fighters on an international stage with an eager and explosive fanbase. With electrifying matchups and jaw-dropping performances, the event left fans hungry for more action-packed moments and unforgettable memories, despite Cedric Doumbe’s toe injury that left us all hanging last time. But ce la vie, we’re back better than ever. It works for me! (I think this song is Belgian… shhh)
As the Bellator Champions Series gears up to grace the streets of Paris, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. This thrilling event promises to elevate the MMA experience to new heights, with world-class athletes and adrenaline-pumping bouts that will leave spectators on the edge of their seats. It's not just about the fights; it's about the culture, the passion, and the unwavering determination of its fighters. French MMA embodies the essence of artistry and athleticism, blending precision striking with technical grappling in a mesmerizing display of skill and finesse.
From the cobblestone streets of Montmartre to the iconic landmarks of the Champs-Élysées, MMA has found a home in the heart of France. Gyms and training facilities are bustling with eager students, each with a dream of becoming the next big name in the sport. It's a testament to the growing popularity of MMA in France and the dedication of its thriving community.
First up is GLORY 91 on April 27th at the Dome de Paris. The main event will feature an epic showdown for the GLORY welterweight title, with reigning champion Endy Semeleer (35-1, 17 KO) facing off against top contender Chico Kwasi (42-5, 22 KO). In an action-packed co-main event, Bahram Rajabzadeh (66-2, 58 KO), known for his wild performances in the GLORY Heavyweight Grand Prix, will be stepping down to light heavyweight to take on the hard-hitting Kevin Oumar (33-4, 7 KO), a French kickboxing champion and rising MMA star.
Adding to the excitement, Belgian-Moroccan superstar Youssef Boughanem (243-42-11, 159 KO) will make his GLORY debut against Ukraine's Stanislav Kazantsev (25-8-1, 7 KO). The rest of the card showcases the best of French kickboxing talent, including Sofian Laïdouni, Pascal Toure, Cyril Benzaquen, and Bobo Sacko, facing off against opponents from around the world.
Bellator 303, also known as Bellator Champions Series Paris, is the next big time show to ignite the MMA world with an electrifying event scheduled for May 17, 2024, at the Accor Arena in the heart of Paris, France. This marks Bellator MMA's fourth visit to Paris and the first since Bellator 296 in May 2023.
The highlight of the event is a highly anticipated Lightweight World Championship clash between reigning champion Usman Nurmagomedov and challenger Alexandr Shabliy. Additionally, fans can expect a thrilling Bantamweight World Championship bout featuring current champion and Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix winner, Patchy Mix, facing off against Magomed Magomedov.
The fight card promises an action-packed lineup, with exciting matchups across multiple weight classes. Alongside the championship bouts, fans can anticipate compelling showdowns such as Gregory Babene vs. Costello van Steenis in the Middleweight division, Yves Landu vs. Jonas Bilharinho in Featherweight, and Slim Trabelsi vs. Louis Sutherland in Heavyweight.
With top-tier talent and high-stakes battles, Bellator 303 is primed to deliver a night of MMA excellence, captivating audiences worldwide and solidifying Bellator's status as a premier organization in the sport and a beacon in the City of Light.
Rock on, warriors of France! 🇫🇷🔥