The big fight this Thursday evening at the Grand Palais Éphémère kept all its promises.
For the title of unified WKN-ISKA world champion, it was Yohan Lidon, 40 years old, who won at the expense of Cyril Benzaquen, 34 years old, after an uncertain fight until the 5th and last round.
Lidon finally won on points, by split decision (49-47, 49-46, 46-49).
He retains his WKN (World Kickboxing Network) belt and seizes the ISKA (International Sport Kickboxing Association) belt which was held by his opponent.
“This gentleman is the one I respect the most,” Lidon said.
I'm going to stop soon.
If you want me to be in your corner... We had a damn... nice fight.
» “You held on, it’s beautiful,” he added, hugging his unfortunate rival.
🗣️💬 “Then I will leave the vacant belts to him because I don’t plan to defend them!”
👏🇫🇷 Yohan Lidon's beautiful words to Cyril Benzaquen after unifying the two WKN and ISKA titles against his compatriot...
🔜 He plans to begin his transition to MMA!
pic.twitter.com/KgUVRsdbQN
— RMC Sport Combat (@RMCSportCombat) February 8, 2024
From the first round, Lidon took the lead, sending Benzaquen to the ground, and landing sharper blows.
The latter, however, raised his head by winning the second round, while Lidon seemed to be hit in one eye.
The suspense then rose another notch, with the two fighters going blow for blow.
In the fourth round, Benzaquen made his effort and hit Lidon in the face with several punches.
But that was without counting on the legend of the discipline who found the resources to snatch the decision.
Lidon, known as the Lumberjack, won a 21st world champion title, and now has 139 victories (83 by KO).
He also has a victory over Cédric Doumbé, MMA fighter, a discipline towards which he wishes to turn in the future.
For his part, Benzaquen, seven times world champion and who recorded his 12th defeat in 71 fights, lost in his lucky room, which had seen him defend his world belt against the Romanian Florin Lambagiu in 2022.