Opposed to the spectacular Brazilian Joanderson Brito at UFC Paris 2024 and undefeated in the UFC, William Gomis is at a turning point in his career. In case of victory, this fight can take it on a new scale.
William, this is the third time that you have fought at UFC Paris, you are the only one with Benoît Saint Denis to be there three times in the first three editions. UFC Paris is a bit like your home, right?
I’m looking forward to it. Arriving here at Bercy, I feel great, I feel at home, yes.
We know that your opponent Joanderson Brito is not an easy profile, that he is someone who is highly rated, who is seen as a very good prospect. How are you approaching this match-up?
I think he’s a strong opponent, but I don’t see the difficulty or the complexity. He is strong, but not necessarily very smart.
He is a very aggressive opponent, in all aspects of the fight, we now know that. You are a fighter who knows how to deal with fighters who charge at you. Do you think this is a style that will allow you to show off your best qualities, or even things that you haven’t shown yet?
Yes, I think it’s a style that will allow me to show all my skills. Frankly, I will be able to show more techniques, more strength too. Since he is violent, this will allow me to bring more violence, because he is not afraid to approach. Even if he knows he’s going to get one, he goes for it, and that’s good for me.
There are two ways of looking at it: some say we send you to the fire, but others think that the UFC tests you, puts profiles on you to see what you are worth and how high you can be taken. . And you, how do you interpret this match-up?
That’s what I told myself at first, but now that I’ve signed my second contract and the UFC is offering me someone higher ranked than me, I tell myself that they trust me. They give me a fight at home, they trust me and I want to prove to them that they are right.
This fight can get you closer to the top 15, or even get you into this ranking, right?
Yes, it’s a fight that can put me in the top 15.
This is the third time you have fought at UFC Paris. You have a special relationship with the French public. How would you define it and what does it change for you to fight in Paris rather than elsewhere?
It’s different, very different, because there’s all the excitement. And after the fight, the public who wants to see us, to get closer to us, that’s nice. But I want to bring something to my audience, that is to say confidence. I always tell them to believe in themselves, in their dreams, because I want everyone to be able to experience what we experience by making our dreams come true. It’s magnificent. After the fight, this is what I would like to convey to them.
You’re 3-0 in the UFC, which is very rare, especially in a category as dense as yours. Are you already starting to think about what’s next, career-wise? We often talk about ending fights by knockout or submission, but a victory is a victory. Do you think you’ll claim a top 15 or top 10 opponent after this fight, or will you continue on your way quietly?
Already, I plan to win hands down, quite simply. My opponent has already beaten Diego Lopes (n°3), who will surely be in the audience. After my victory, I’m going to call him on the microphone and tell him: “I want you. Come back to Paris.”
Because 3-0 for his UFC debut is rare for a French fighter. Cyril Gane, Manon Fiorot, Francis Carmont… You are only the fourth to achieve this. Is this a source of pride for you?
I hadn’t really thought about it, I just told myself that it was 3-0, but that we needed a lot more. So yes, it’s good, but I want more.
Do you feel recognized for your true value?
Yes of course. I feel recognized, but I need to show more, especially for myself.
Do you have a dream match-up that you would like to have in the next few years?
The closest would be Diego Lopes at UFC Paris, in the main event.
Last May, you had problems at the weigh-in, some striking images. How are you handling it this week? Is everything going well at this level?
Yes, everything is going well. We’re not in Brazil, so things are much better.
How do you imagine this fight ending Saturday night?
I think I’m going to knock him out, raise my hands, and hear the whole audience shout “Allez la France”. It’s going to be amazing.
Do you see yourself fighting at every UFC Paris, every year?
Yes, that suits me! I really like UFC Paris. If I have to be there at every edition for 10 years, I will be there.
