A very young discipline in France, only legalized in 2020, MMA has been able to rely, since its beginnings in France, on significant events to grow and export. Among these moments in history, there was first the arrival of the UFC, the largest organization in the world, in Paris in September 2022 then 2023 (it will return in 2024), at the same time as the advent of French stars Ciryl Gane, Benoît Saint-Denis or Manon Fiorot. A turning point.
Then there was the Baki-Doumbè clash in March 2024, at the Accor Arena in Paris-Bercy. A sold-out event in less than 20 minutes, rare enthusiasm, a crazy atmosphere… Despite the episode of the now famous thorn, lodged in Doumbè’s toe, the event is undoubtedly the most difficult fight important that the French MMA has known since its beginnings. New turning point.
It may be necessary, in the future, to add to this list the evening of ARES 22, the biggest card in the history of the French organization, which takes over the Adidas Arena and its 8,000 seats on Friday evening, rather than the Dôme de Paris (4,600 seats) where ARES organizes several of its evenings. A first for a French event and further proof of the ever-growing popularity of MMA in France, after the Breton organization AEF became the first in France to export to a football stadium, at Roazhon Park from Rennes, on May 17.
Nassourdine Imavov and Taylor Lapilus concerned
Created in 2019 to serve as a springboard to larger organizations like the UFC, Bellator or the PFL for young talents, the French League welcomed the victories last weekend of the French Taylor Lapilus and Nassourdine Imavov during a UFC Fight Night in Louisville (United States). Their relationship with ARES? Their beginnings.
The two Tricolores proved their worth there between 2019 and 2022 before heading to the UFC, proof of the springboard that the Tricolor League can offer. Having returned to France since last weekend, they will not miss the big evening at ARES 22 on Friday. Lapilus will hand over the belt to one of the champions of the evening, while Imavov will follow the fight for the title of his big brother Daguir (32 years old, 15 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw), against the current champion Axel Sola , still undefeated (7 wins, 0 losses) at 26 years old.
The winner of the fight, in addition to winning the lightweight belt (-70 kg), is announced to soon sign with a major organization, such as the UFC. A golden opportunity, as his arrival in Paris approaches on September 28.
Two other belts at stake, Habirora and Zébo on display
The same promise awaits Aboubakar Younousov (3 wins, 0 losses), who will face the Brazilian Fabricio Nunes (9 wins, 1 loss). The Frenchman of Chechen origin could also open the doors to the UFC if he defends his bantamweight belt (-61 kg). Finally, a third belt will be put into play on this same map. That, vacant, of heavyweights (+93 kg), which will go to the winner of the fight between Abu Bakr Bathily and Sofiane Boukichou. Proof of the rare stakes of this evening.
Former opponent of Cédric Doumbè, knocked out. in 9 seconds in September 2023, Jordan Zébo (23 years old, 5 wins, 1 loss) will also be there. He had already relaunched in March by winning against Carlos Graca and will this time face Phruethukorn “Title Chai” Chaichongcharden, also beaten by Doumbè in the past.
But the star of ARES 22 could still be Patrick Habirora, already sparkling at PFL Paris 2 in March, where his fight overshadowed the main event between Baysangour “Baki” Chamsoudinov and Cédric Doumbè. Friday evening, the Belgian will cross swords with the Welshman Alex Aston, whom he has already beaten by KO. in the semi-finals of the IMMAF European Championship (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation) in 2022. Since then, the Belgian bombardier has become IMMAF amateur world champion, at the end of 2023, and has successfully transitioned to the pros with 3 victories in as many fights. He could continue his march forward if successful. And confirm all its potential.
