As the UFC returns to Paris tonight, all eyes are on the French fighters who are making waves in the sport's elite promotion in 2024. From established stars to rising prospects, the current roster of French athletes is packed with talent, making UFC Paris one of the most anticipated events of the year.
Here's a breakdown of the top French UFC fighters and where they stand ahead of tonight’s showdown.
Ciryl Gane – The Face of French MMA
Division: Heavyweight
Record: 12-2
Latest Fight: Win against Serghei Spivac (UFC Paris, 2023)
Next Fight: TBD
Ciryl Gane is undoubtedly the most prominent French fighter in the UFC today. Having once fought for the undisputed heavyweight title against Jon Jones, Gane remains one of the top-ranked contenders in the division. Known for his fluid movement, technical striking, and overall versatility, "Bon Gamin" represents the new era of heavyweight fighters who combine size, speed, and skill. While Gane doesn't have a fight scheduled tonight, his presence is a major influence on French MMA, and his fans will be eagerly watching UFC Paris, waiting for news of his next opponent.
Benoît Saint Denis – France’s Fast-Rising Star
Division: Lightweight
Record: 12-1 (1 NC)
Latest Fight: Win over Thiago Moises (UFC on ESPN 49, 2024)
Next Fight: vs. Renato Moicano (UFC Fight Night Paris, 2024)
Benoît Saint Denis has emerged as one of the most exciting French fighters on the UFC roster. After his memorable victory over Thiago Moises, which earned him a Performance of the Night bonus, Saint Denis quickly gained recognition for his relentless pace and aggressive grappling. Set to headline UFC Paris against Renato Moicano, Saint Denis is looking to solidify his place among the division’s top contenders. If he can secure another decisive victory, it won’t be long before his name is mentioned in discussions about future title shots.
Nassourdine Imavov – The Dark Horse in the Middleweight Division
Division: Middleweight
Record: 12-4
Latest Fight: Loss to Sean Strickland (UFC Fight Night 217, 2023)
Next Fight: vs. Brendan Allen (UFC Fight Night Paris, 2024)
Nassourdine Imavov is another French standout who has been making his mark in the middleweight division. Despite a setback against Sean Strickland, Imavov remains a top prospect with a well-rounded skill set, combining sharp striking with solid wrestling. His upcoming fight against Brendan Allen in the co-main event of UFC Paris is crucial for his UFC trajectory. With a win, Imavov could re-establish himself as a serious contender in the stacked middleweight division.
William Gomis – Featherweight Prospect on the Rise
Division: Featherweight
Record: 12-2
Latest Fight: Win over Francis Marshall (UFC Fight Night 223, 2023)
Next Fight: vs. Joanderson Brito (UFC Fight Night Paris, 2024)
William Gomis, known as “The Jaguar,” has quietly been climbing the featherweight ranks. With a five-fight winning streak, including victories in the UFC, Gomis is poised for a breakout moment at UFC Paris when he takes on Joanderson Brito. His last performance against Francis Marshall showcased his crisp striking and strong cage control, and fans are eager to see if he can keep his momentum going. A win tonight could propel Gomis closer to ranked opponents and put him on the radar for title contention in the future.
Manon Fiorot – France’s Women’s MMA Trailblazer
Division: Women’s Flyweight
Record: 11-1
Latest Fight: Win over Rose Namajunas (UFC Paris, 2023)
Next Fight: TBD
Manon Fiorot has been steadily rising in the women’s flyweight division. Her recent win over former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas cemented her status as one of the top contenders at 125 pounds. Known for her striking precision and footwork, Fiorot is a difficult puzzle for anyone in the division. With flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko busy with their trilogy fight, Fiorot is well-positioned to secure a future title shot and become the first French woman to fight for UFC gold.
Farid Basharat – Undefeated Bantamweight Prospect
Division: Bantamweight
Record: 11-0
Latest Fight: Win over Kleydson Rodrigues (UFC on ESPN 50, 2024)
Next Fight: TBD
Though relatively new to the UFC, Farid Basharat has quickly become a name to watch in the bantamweight division. The undefeated prospect has shown incredible composure, technical striking, and slick submissions in his fights, making him a fighter with massive potential. With the bantamweight division being one of the UFC’s most competitive, Basharat’s undefeated record puts him on the fast track to becoming a top-15 contender soon.
Morgan Charrière – Making Waves in the Featherweight Division
Division: Featherweight
Record: 18-9-1
Latest Fight: Loss to Patrick Sabatini (UFC 289, 2024)
Next Fight: TBD
Morgan Charrière, also known as "The Last Pirate," is one of the most exciting additions to the French roster in the UFC. Although he faced a loss in his UFC debut against Patrick Sabatini, Charrière’s aggressive striking style and fan-friendly approach make him a fighter worth keeping an eye on. His passionate French fanbase will undoubtedly be rooting for him in future bouts, where he aims to bounce back and make a statement in the featherweight division.
With multiple French fighters on the card, UFC Paris is shaping up to be a monumental event for French MMA. The Accor Arena will be packed with fans eager to see their local heroes shine on home soil. Whether it's Benoît Saint Denis fighting in the main event or William Gomis looking to extend his winning streak, UFC Paris promises to be a thrilling night of fights with plenty of French pride on display.