After an exciting Preliminary event, the main card was only going to add to the fun, and it definitely didn’t disappoint. Paris, ‘the city of love’, surely just made more people fall in love with this sport.

Fight 1

William Gomis Vs Robert Ruchala

The first and second round didn’t hold too much worth with either fight truly landing any significant strikes. Ruchala was able to contain the Frenchman’s kickboxing ability with ground control, having over three minutes on top.

The third and final round was electric. After an unfortunate eye poke to start the round, the fight became frantic. Gomis worked the knees well while in the clinch and was able to showcase more of his attacking ability. Ruchala did combine kicks and strikes to the body and head well but didn’t do enough in the eyes of the judges.

The Frenchman came out victorious winning via unanimous decision.

Fight 2

Axel Sola Vs Rhys McKee

Like every Rhys McKee fight, he came out swinging straight away, trying to land that devastating blow. However, Axel Sola replied with a snappy jab that landed right on the end of the nose of McKee causing it to leak straight away. Sola tried to get the takedown to secure an impressive first round but McKee denfended well and prevented all three takedown attempts in the first round. 

Early in the second round, a lovely right hook from McKee bruised Sola’s left eye. Both fighters continued to trade heavy blows with the Northern Ireland man coming forward despite the damage he was taking.

The final round continued to excite. The grittiness of McKee was impressive as he found uppercuts and hooks to be effective in the clinch and when in close proximity despite having the longer reach. Unfortunately for him though, a devastating body shot from Sola sent McKee to the canvas and Herb Dean stopped the bout, which earned Sola his first UFC win in his home country.

Fight 3

Bolaji Oki Vs Mason Jones

A blistering start to this highly anticipated Lightweight bout. Bolaji Oki landed a heavy right hook and timed a second left hook perfectly that caused Mason Jones to crash to the canvas. Oki didn’t stop, hunting for the finish, unleashing all his power and energy in the ground and pound but couldn’t get the finish. The Welshman responded brilliantly later in the round, dropping Oki with a left hook himself. After heavy ground and pound, he nearly got the Kimura submission.

Heading into the second round, the fun continued. Heavy blows were traded again until an Oki takedown attempt was defended easily by Jones. The Welshman responded with a takedown in which he was successful with and finished the fight after destructive elbows in full mount, earning another UFC win and now has a six-fight win streak.

Fight 4

Modestas Bukauskas Vs Paul Craig

A British showdown in France and it didn’t disappoint. After a fairly even first round, the last 30 seconds were immense. Against the cage, Paul Craig tried to jump guard but Modestas Bukauskas defended well and put him on the canvas. After slipping his guard, he unleashed devastating elbows which knocked out the Scotsman on the bell of the first round.

Now on a four-fight win streak, three been finishes, Bukauskas wants a top 15 opponent. In addition to that, at the age of 37, Paul Craig took off his gloves in the cage and announced his retirement from the sport: “Thank you so much for the memories”.

Fight 5- Co main

Benoit Saint-Denis Vs Mauricio Ruffy

In this highly anticipated co main event, I don’t think anybody could have excepted what just happened, in an arena filled with the French National anthem. 

From the first bell, Saint-Denis controlled Ruffy and made him hesitant in showcasing his explosive striking. Heading into the second round, the ‘fighting nerd’ had no answer from the first round and found himself in the same problem. The takedowns were too much for Ruffy and the “God of War” earned the victory through a rear naked choke.

Despite Saint-Denis being an impressive fighter, the way he controlled Ruffy from start to finish makes him a massive threat for the rest of the division.

Fight 6- Main Event

Nassourdine Imavov Vs Caio Borralho

The main event saw a potential title eliminator in the Middleweight division to fight Khmazat Chimeav. The first round was quite tentative, limited volume in strikes but with five rounds, both fighters were just feeling each other out. 

Imavov grew into the fight in the second round, showcasing immense speed and precision in striking. His lightning-fast hands and footwork were too much for Borralho, by the time he reacted, Imavov was already out of the pocket and changed his angle. 

The Frenchman was two rounds up in my opinion going into the third and continued to be the fighter in control, holding the centre of the octagon. Borralho tried a takedown but his attacks weren’t explosive enough and it seemed like Imavov had all the answers.

Going into round four and five, Borralho was made aware from his coaches that he needed a knockout or submission to win this fight. The Brazilian defiantly tried to put words into practice, trying to land heavy significant strikes but Imavov was consistently landing the better shots and working his attacks and defence better. 

The fight reached the end and went to the judge’s decision. Imavov, the Frenchman, became victorious, scoring 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46. Ending the night brilliantly for all the French fans in attendance.