The UFC made a triumphant return to Paris, France, with UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Saint Denis on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Held at the iconic Accor Arena, the event drew a sold-out crowd of 15,449, raking in a massive live gate of $4,000,000.
Fans were treated to a night of thrilling knockouts, tactical submissions, and electrifying performances across 14 action-packed bouts. Headlined by a clash between Renato Moicano and the French hometown hero Benoît Saint-Denis, the event showcased some of the best talents in MMA.
Here's a full results of UFC Paris with breakdown of each fight and how it all went down.
Main Event: Renato Moicano defeats Benoît Saint-Denis via KO/TKO (Doctor Stoppage, Eye Injury) at 5:00, Round 2
In the highly anticipated main event, Renato Moicano pulled off a shocking victory against France’s rising star, Benoît Saint-Denis. The fight was fiercely competitive through the first two rounds, with both fighters landing significant strikes. However, as Round 2 came to an end, the doctor intervened due to a severe eye injury sustained by Saint-Denis, forcing a stoppage. Moicano’s relentless pressure and striking proved too much, leaving the Parisian crowd stunned as their hometown favorite was unable to continue.
Co-Main Event: Nassourdine Imavov defeats Brendan Allen via Unanimous Decision
France’s own Nassourdine Imavov had the support of the crowd behind him in the co-main event, where he took on the tough Brendan Allen. Imavov used his superior striking and footwork to outpoint Allen over three rounds. Despite Allen’s grappling attempts, Imavov remained composed and earned a unanimous decision victory, solidifying his position as a top contender in the UFC’s middleweight division.
Main Card Recap:
William Gomis defeats Joanderson Brito via Split Decision
In a razor-close bout, William Gomis secured a hard-fought split decision victory over Joanderson Brito. The fight saw Gomis using his precision striking while Brito pressed forward with aggression. Gomis’ composure and technical approach won over the judges in a thrilling battle that had the French crowd on their feet.
Bryan Battle defeats Ange Loosa via KO/TKO (Punches) at 3:47, Round 2
Bryan Battle showcased his knockout power, finishing Ange Loosa in the second round with a flurry of punches. Battle’s ability to capitalize on Loosa’s defensive lapses led to the finish, making it one of the standout moments of the night.
Morgan Charriere defeats Gabriel Miranda via KO/TKO (Left Hook) at 0:27, Round 2
France’s Morgan Charriere delivered a highlight-reel knockout with a perfectly timed left hook just 27 seconds into the second round, taking out Gabriel Miranda. Charriere’s striking accuracy and power left no doubt as he earned a decisive finish in front of his home crowd.
Fares Ziam defeats Matt Frevola via KO/TKO (Knee to the Head) at 2:59, Round 3
In a late-round finish, Fares Ziam stunned Matt Frevola with a vicious knee to the head, securing a knockout victory in the third round. Ziam’s diverse striking arsenal was on full display, propelling him to a big win.
Preliminary Card Recap
Ion Cuțelaba defeats Erslan Erbek via Split Decision
Ion Cuțelaba edged out Erslan Erbek in a gritty contest, winning via split decision. The fight was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters having their moments, but Cuțelaba’s aggression and forward pressure gave him the edge.
Sadibou Sy defeats Da-Un Jung via Unanimous Decision
Sadibou Sy, known for his striking prowess, dominated Da-Un Jung over three rounds, picking up a clear unanimous decision victory. Sy’s range control and sharp kicks kept Jung at bay, earning him a well-deserved win.
Ludovit Klein defeats Danny Roberts via Unanimous Decision
Ludovit Klein put on a striking clinic against Danny Roberts, using his speed and footwork to cruise to a unanimous decision victory. Roberts struggled to close the distance, while Klein picked him apart from the outside.
Taylor Lapilus defeats José Morales via Unanimous Decision
France’s Taylor Lapilus put on a strong performance in front of his home fans, earning a unanimous decision victory over José Morales. Lapilus’ crisp boxing and takedown defense were the keys to his success.
Ailin Perez defeats Darya Zheleznyakova via Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) at 3:52, Round 1
Ailin Perez wasted no time, locking in a slick arm triangle choke in the first round to secure a submission victory over Darya Zheleznyakova. Perez’s grappling skills were on full display as she dominated her opponent.
Carlos Barez defeats Victor Altamirano via Unanimous Decision
Carlos Barez outworked Victor Altamirano over three competitive rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory. Barez’s superior wrestling and control in the clinch made the difference in this closely contested bout.
Yanis Cavalcanti defeats Laetitia Cornolle via Split Decision
In a closely fought women’s flyweight bout, Yanis Cavalcanti edged out Laetitia Cornolle by split decision. The fight saw both fighters have their moments, but Cavalcanti’s cleaner strikes helped her secure the win.
Christian Leroy Duncan defeats Toshiomi Oki via Submission (Guillotine Choke)
In an impressive submission victory, Christian Leroy Duncan locked in a guillotine choke to tap out Toshiomi Oki. Duncan’s grappling was on point, and he secured the submission early in the fight to earn a statement win.
UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Saint Denis delivered one of the most exciting cards of the year, featuring an array of finishes and closely contested battles.
With the French crowd energized from start to finish, the event was a huge success both in terms of action and attendance.
The performances of French fighters like Nassourdine Imavov, William Gomis, and Morgan Charriere further highlighted the growth of MMA in France, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the UFC’s return to Paris