UFC in France: remember the country's martial arts highlights and understand the importance of this Saturday's event

C. Gane (left) and T. Tuivasa (right) face each other in the UFC Paris. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @ufc_brasil

We are just a few hours away from Ultimate's debut on French territory. This Saturday (3), the organization makes history and, for the first time, holds a show in the country. As UFC Paris, the company debuts in the territory and, to get into the spirit, the team from SUPER FIGHTS selected highlights from France in martial arts and explains the importance of the weekend's show.

In the main fight UFC Paris, the biggest name in the history of French MMA tries to shake up the public. Cyryl Gane is the protagonist of the event and measures forces with the dangerous Tai tuivasa.

Former interim heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg.), Gane is not the only big-name fighter to wear the colors of France. In addition to the 'giant', other fighters also wear or have worn UFC gloves. Remember some of them:

1) Cheick Kongo

A great MMA veteran, Kongo began his career in MMA in 2001. With more than 20 years of career, the Frenchman became a UFC standout, but it was in Bellator where he came closest to reaching the top of mixed martial arts.

For the company chaired by Scott Coker, the athlete had three heavyweight title fights. The last one took place in May 2022, but the fighter ended up being defeated by Ryan bader in a clash marked by a lack of combativeness. Today, Cheick continues competing, even at 47 years old.

2) Nordine Taleb

A representative of Ultimate between 2014 and 2019, Nordine Taleb became better known in Brazilian territory as 'Neymar's security guard'. The fighter, who even provided services to the star of the Canarinho National Team.

For Ultimate, Taleb competed in 12 fights and had a positive result. In total, the combatant had eight triumphs and four setbacks.

3) Francis Ngannou – honorable mention

Although he was not born in France, the current UFC heavyweight champion has roots in French territory. Known as one of the most feared men in the recent history of MMA, the athlete was born in Cameroon, but, due to a difficult childhood, he migrated to countries such as Nigeria, Spain, Morocco, but achieved stability in Paris.

Today, in addition to Cameroon, 'giant' also represents the colors of France.

French at UFC Paris

As it could not be otherwise, the UFC Paris will feature representatives from France, to the delight of the public who will be present at the Accor Arena. In addition to Cyryl Gane, four more fighters will climb into the octagon representing the tricolor flag.

The first to step onto the fighting field will be Benoit St. Dennis. Inserted on the preliminary card, the lightweight will be responsible for welcoming Brazilian Gabriel 'Fly', who makes his debut in the company.

Still in the first half of the show, Nassourdine Imavov will have the fans behind him in the confrontation against the 'Knockout Man', Joaquin buckley. The clash will be held at middleweight (up to 83,9kg).

In a lightweight fight, fares ziam will be an opponent of Michal Figlak. The Frenchman performs in the lightweight division.

Aggressive and knockout, William Gomis will you face it Jarno Errens. This will be the athlete's first commitment with the Ultimate gloves.

France in martial arts

In addition to talents in MMA, France has already presented athletes to the world who made history for their country. Below, check out names who achieved stardom by winning Olympic medals.

Teddy Rinner

A true judo legend, Teddy Rinner is a French athlete who became a true phenomenon in his sport. In total, the fighter has 10 world titles, in addition to two Olympic golds (2012 and 2016).

Lucie Décosse

Born in Chaumont, Lucie Décosse is another judo representative who represents her country with excellence. Three-time world champion in the sport, the athlete also won Olympic gold at the London Games in 2012.

Paul Fritsch

At the 1920 Olympic Games, Paul Fritsch led France to the highest point of the podium by competing in boxing. The athlete took the medal in the featherweight division.

Jean Despaux and Roger Michelot

Also in the 'noble art', Jean Despaux was the champion in 1936, in the middleweight division. Boxer Roger Michelot won for his country, but at light heavyweight.

Brahim Asloum

At the Sydney Games (2000), it was Brahim Asloum's turn to win boxing gold.

Tony Yoka

The last boxer to win gold in French boxing, Tony Yoka heard his country's anthem in 2016, at the Rio de Janeiro Games. The achievement came in the super heavyweight category.

Estelle Mossely

Among women, Estelle Mossely was the first woman in the history of French boxing to win an Olympic medal. A lightweight athlete, the fighter won the tournament in 2016.

Arsen Goulamirian

Still in the 'noble art', France has the phenomenon Arsen Goulamirian, who fights for the country at cruiserweight. Currently, the 34-year-old athlete holds the WBA (World Boxing Association) world title, being undefeated in his career in 26 fights.

Georges carpentier

When it comes to boxing, we cannot leave Georges Carpentier out of the list of French highlights. In 1920, the fighter became the first from his country to win a world title, at light heavyweight.

The importance of UFC Paris

Although it is not being the pioneer in bringing an event to France, Ultimate arrives in the country with the weight of a globally renowned organization willing to expand its market. However, one wonders, why is this weekend's spectacle so grand?

Considered a 'marginal' sport in the 1980s and 1990s, MMA needed time to be officially accepted as a sport in several countries around the world. With the advancement of the sport, evolution in the rules for greater physical preservation of athletes, little by little the world began to accept competitions.

France, however, remained adamant about authorizing the promotion of shows in its domains, even though it has important names in companies such as UFC, Bellator and Brave.

Permission only came in February 2020, when the French Minister of Sports, Roxana Maracineanu, signed the document that confirmed the legalization of MMA in the country. Even with the important step for the sport, there were procedures to be defined so that the shows could take place.

With the kickoff given in the UFC Paris, Ultimate now begins a trajectory that will certainly attract more audiences and, consequently, potential talents in the sport for the future.

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