MMA: with Cédric Doumbè as master of ceremonies, relive the exceptional PFL Lyon show

We will meet again very quickly for a new evening of fights. Have a good evening and have a good weekend!

“He’s a tough and experienced fighter, I knew he was going to be disciplined, I had to be attentive. He had a good defense, my power wasn’t there today. But my standing fight was much better, I’m gaining confidence. »

The judges will decide the final winner of the evening.

A specialist in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the Frenchman didn’t come far from placing a stranglehold or a von flue choke, a rare technique where you crush your opponent’s throat.

The Frenchman Abdoul Abdouraguimov faces the Argentine Laureano “Pepi” Staropoli.

“I have one thing to say: I was disrespected coming into this fight, told I was a social media guy, that I watched cartoons, flashball in the skull.

I know you’re not used to seeing this, but I’m not afraid to say it. We are fighters but not superheroes. The day before, in my hotel room, I was still shaking, I fell asleep at three in the morning. We see what’s on social media, and when it’s negative we see it too. But many thanks for the support, for the love.

Don’t forget the wars in the world, whether in Palestine or Congo, come and make peace in the world. I know it’s boring, but let’s make peace. »

The Belgian sends Safta to the mat with a superb right hook to the point of the chin. Yesterday, during the weigh-in, the Swiss announced that he wanted to “humble” Habirora. It’s a failure. He is also very angry and does not hesitate to show it.

Thanks to two big last minutes and in particular a returned punch at the end of the restart, Patrick Habirora took the upper hand.

If he manages to hit thanks to his reach, his Swiss opponent constantly responds.

Many spectators stood up to film the Belgian’s entrance, with his Luffy hat from One Piece. Small problem despite everything, the organization put the German flag instead of the Belgian…

The Belgian bomber, amateur world champion and very popular in France, has just signed a contract for several fights at the PFL. He faces the Swiss Catalin Safta.

Michael Groguhe was unanimously declared the winner by the judges (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).

While Groguhe wants to stay in the center of the cage, Sene wants to go against the fence. We therefore witness scenes where the two men look at each other, without moving. The public shouts “we paid, we paid”, visibly very disappointed.

But we feel that each blow can be fatal as they have such impressive power.

During the PFL Paris on March 7, the heavyweight was surprisingly arrogant, and suffered lightning in a few seconds for a memorable knockout.

The first pits two Frenchmen against each other in the heavyweight category: Mickael Groguhe and Lamine Sene.

And after choosing the contract holders, “The Best” leaves the choice of his future opponent to the public. Abdoul Abdouraguimov, Jake Paul, Baki? The public leans towards the latter option.

But what a performance from the Englishman, who literally beat Luster. The poor guy didn’t want it anymore, and almost begged the referee to stop the massacre.

The Englishman sent his opponent to the canvas twice, but also takes a lot of punches. The crowd goes wild for the first time all evening!

The German Alexander Luster challenges the Englishman Lewis McGrillen, one of the gems of the UFC, very appreciated by the Lyon public with his legendary mullet.

The Pole won by TKO in the 4th round after a huge fight. He leaves with 100,000 euros and is visibly very moved.

Kaszuba faces Hugues at lightweight.

But on one condition “we want fairground potatoes, not people hugging each other,” smiles Doumbè.

“The Best” will name his two choices. Personally, I’m betting on Mahio Campanella and Mathys Duragrin, the last two winners.

The Frenchman put on a show until the end, bringing his opponent to the center of the cage for the last ten seconds, and he will seek a splendid victory (30-26, 30-26, 30-25).

The Ile-de-France resident attempts spectacular standing kicks, and outrageously dominates his opponent on the ground. He is heading towards victory.

The Ile-de-France resident, whose parents initially did not want him to practice this discipline, ended up giving in to his enormous will… and his poor academic results. And they did well! After 16 amateur fights (12 victories), he won his first three professional duels.

The man with the Rubik’s Cube has no shortage of ideas, and makes his entrance on “Take me away”. This really pleases the Lyon public!

The Carcassonnais was the most offensive at the start of the round and placed a superb rear choke at the end of the first round. Enough to get a contract? Doumbè applauded in any case!

Returning kicks, jumping knees, Cédric Doumbè has undoubtedly found good clients.

A Carcassonnais facing a Parisian.

“The Best” wants to analyze the six fighters before offering the two contracts. Will Salvo Giudice get one?

Unsurprisingly, the Marseillais won by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-25).

“The Best” is enjoying his period without a fight, but he should return to the cage soon, at the start of 2025.

Perfectly coached by the very experienced Jean-Michel Foissard, coach of Marseille Fight Club, the Frenchman largely leads after two rounds.

The fight takes place mainly on the ground, with Giudice dominating, but the spectacle is not there. The public does not hesitate to whistle at the two men. The contract is gone.

The first comes from Yvelines and has a record of two victories and one defeat. The second is from Marseille and already has 20 amateur fights (11 victories).

“It’s weird being in the cage at 100kg. I ran 30 meters and I was out of breath. »

“I’m going to put myself in the shoes of a promoter and an MMA fan to choose the fighters who will satisfy everyone. »

Entering the cage as if he was going to fight, with his usual music, Cédric Doumbè did not come empty-handed. Armed with his broom, he winked again at the splinter that had stuck in his foot in front of Baki.

Showman par excellence, “The Best” has undoubtedly prepared something. Suspense.

The Frenchman will enter the track to put on his talent scout costume. He will attend the next three fights, all Franco-French, to determine the winners of the two contracts at stake.

Florim Zendeli submits Daniele Miceli by rear choke at the end of the first round. The Albanian leaves with the 100,000 dollars. And he’s quite happy.

The Italian and the Albanian compete in the welterweight category (-77kg).