The names of Cédric Doumbè and Baysangur Chamsoudinov are on everyone's lips at the dawn of the second PFL event in Paris, this Thursday March 7.
However, the two French people will not be the only ones to enter the cage, set up in the center of the Accor Arena (12th century).
Eight other Tricolores are on the bill for this evening, which should offer the 20,000 fans a striking spectacle.
As last September, during the first visit of the American organization to France, Abdoul Abdouraguimov will compete in the co-main event, the second main fight of the evening.
The “Lazy King”, a specialist in jiu-jitsu and grappling, disciplines in which he is five times French champion, faces another black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the Briton Jack Grant.
A fight that could take place mainly on the ground.
“But it’s MMA,” recalls the resident of the MMA Factory.
There are hits too, even on the ground, and that changes everything.
You can be world champion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu but that's not why you win in MMA.
You can get hit and knocked out.
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“If a fight excites me, I will do it”
More complete, Abdoul Abdouraguimov could take advantage of this to achieve an 18th victory in 19 fights.
But he still respects his very dangerous opponent.
“There is no fear but we are suspicious of everyone,” he assures.
You must not underestimate or overestimate your opponent and concentrate on what you know how to do.
Whatever happens in a fight, you have to rely on your strengths and make the right decisions at the right time, that's what makes the difference.
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This fight could be important in his progression.
At 28 years old, the Nantes native of Dagestani origin can experience a new turning point in his career, having already won multiple belts at Ares, Brave or 100% Fight.
“I live day by day,” explains Abdoul Abdouraguimov.
I will see what opportunities present themselves and if the motivation is still there.
I'm someone who needs feelings, I don't do this for the status or the title.
But if a fight excites me, I'll do it.
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Read alsoMMA: “Ngannou believes in our vision”, rejoices the PFL boss before the French premiere of his league
The “scientist” twins on display
Seven other French people are on the PFL Paris 2 card. A Franco-French fight is notably planned between heavyweights Islem Masraf and Mickaël Groguhe.
Yazid Chouchane, already present during the organization's first visit to the capital, faces the Spaniard Ignacio Capella, who has seven victories and one defeat in his career.
Ibrahim Mané challenges the Dutchman Chequina Noso Pedro.
The two fighters, from Brave, are competing in their first fight in the organization.
The Najid twins will also be present and will make their PFL debut.
Nicknamed the “Scientists”, the Franco-Moroccans are both engineers, and manage to combine their work and their sport at the highest level.
A delicate balance to find but an obvious link, as MMA requires reflection and strategy.
“It’s a game of chess, it’s extremely strategic, that’s why we love it,” explained the youngest, Younes, recently in an interview with Le Parcours.
It's cerebral, intellectual, beyond physical surpassing.
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More accustomed to French galas, even if Yassin notably fought at the UAE Warriors, the two brothers will discover the joys of an American organization, with a spectacular show in front of 20,000 people.
An atmosphere that they will have to master to win.
Younes will be the first to enter the cage, facing his compatriot Kevin Del (4 wins and 1 loss), while Yassin will fight later in the evening against the Italian Daniele Miceli.