the essential
Cédric Doumbè, MMA star in France, offered a contract to Mazamétain Mahio Campanella, in the second largest league in the world, the PFL, after a great victory in Lyon. An outcome for the 37-year-old Tarn fighter.
On December 14 in Lyon, Mahio Campanella won the hearts of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fans and the respect of Cédric Doumbè, one of the French stars of the discipline. Invited for a first fight in the PFL (Professional Fighters League), the Mazamétain beat his opponent by strangulation in the first round. A feat at 37 years old for the co-founder and coach of Montagne Noire free fight, which earned him a contract in the second largest league in the world (behind the UFC), offered by the former king of kickboxing, at occasion of an event called “Doumbè decides”.
“It was gigantic. Especially since I had lots of misfortunes during the preparation: a major neck strain and food poisoning just before the fight. I was very weak but I didn't want to cancel. But surprisingly, on the big day, I was in Olympic shape. The outcome is beautiful,” says the life educator.
“He told me that I was complete in this fight, standing and on the ground, that I finished my opponent. That he had to take me. »
“Being at the PFL is an achievement. I'm 37, that's not nothing. I didn't put pressure on myself, I especially wanted to have a good fight, I didn't really believe in the contract. But after seeing the other fights, I thought I could be chosen. I have a good record (7-1) but most of my career I spent abroad, the French public doesn't really know me. The guys must have said to themselves: “Who is this guy, where did he come from? », he smiles. It was before having the contract offered by Cédric Doumbè: “He told me that I had been complete in this fight, standing and on the ground, that I had finished my opponent. That he had to take me. »
In this crazy adventure, the Mazamétain does not forget where he comes from: “There were around twenty fighters from the club who came to encourage me. This is the mentality we want to establish at the club. Our goal is to develop the skills of our amateurs to bring them into the best conditions among professionals. Having a good state of mind is necessary to develop a good working atmosphere within the club. There are now three of us competing in national and international organizations. I would really like people here to realize our level.”
France
