The UFC is the premier mixed martial arts organization and as such has acquired a global audience over the years. Having originally started off in the United States, the sport saw fighters from numerous regions of the world coming to take part. Among the nations with a growing platoon of fighters is none other than the proud nation of France.
A perfect night in Paris – fighters representing France went 5-0 at #UFCParis 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/9NAp32d1WF
— UFC (@ufc) September 4, 2022
Previously, the organization made its first-ever trip to France and the City of Lights in 2022. In what was a historic event for French MMA, the home team, although not as many in number had a strong showing. Going 5-0 in their fights, the fighters made their nation proud. In 2023, the UFC once again returned to France, this time with an even bigger showing of domestic fighters.
French UFC fighters who can become champions
With that said, there are a lot of great fighters that hail from the République Française. Over the years, it has become a hub for top talents with numerous gyms and regional fight promotions also coming up in that time. As such, the MMA Factory and Coach Fernand Lopez have been key in furthering the scene in the region.
Now, let’s take a look at 5 of the most promising French fighters in the UFC who have either already touched gold or have the potential to become champions in the future.
1. Ciryl Gane (Heavyweight)
Born in La Roche-sur-Yon, France, Ciryl Gane began his professional career in 2018. Previously, Gane fought in the promotion TKO, where he became the heavyweight champion in his first fight. Having defended his title twice, ‘Bon Gamin’ made his way to the UFC, making his debut on August 10, 2019, against Raphael Pessoa. Five years into his tenure, Gane has already cleared out the majority of the division.
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Additionally, he is the only fighter on this list to have touched gold, albeit as an interim title holder. With that said, Ciryl has challenged for the undisputed title on two separate occasions, having been turned away by Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones. Despite his failures, Gane remains one of the best in his division.
2. Nassourdine Imavov (Middleweight)
Next on the list is Nassourdine Imavov, who hails from Dagestan, Russia but has been calling France his home since he was 19 years old. Making his Octagon debut on October 3, 2020, ‘The Sniper’ defeated Jordan Williams by unanimous decision. Since then he has been on an upward trajectory in his division.
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Notably, Imavov has gone toe to toe with former champ Sean Strickland as well. Most recently, he dominated Roman Dolidze to further jump up the rankings. Still only 29 years old, there is a lot of expectation from Imavov to develop his game even further and challenge for a title in the future.
3. Benoit Saint Denis (Lightweight)
Up next we have the stone-faced killer Benoit Saint Denis, who had a less-than-ideal welcome to the UFC. Despite a short-notice decision loss against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos at a higher weight class, many held out to see Benoit’s true potential. As such, the ‘God of War’ delivered on said expectations, finishing all 5 of his next 5 fights.
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With that said, he has rapidly become a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division. Having earned the #12 ranking already, he is also a fan-favorite fighter. Thus, his performances have already garnered him a showdown against mainstay Dustin Poirer in the co-main event of UFC 299. Should he win, Saint Denis would automatically be thrown into potential title conversations as well.
4. Manon Fiorot ( Women’s Flyweight)
Our next fighter made a name for herself amongst French fighters, as she now sits as the #3 ranked women’s flyweight in the world. Manon Fiorot faced Victoria Leonardo in her debut and then Tabatha Ricci, knocking out both opponents in the second round. Since then, ‘The Beast’ has gone on to put in impressive performances against former title challenger Mayra Bueno Silva, and then Jennifer Maia, and Kaitlyn Cerminara.
3️⃣ wins in 3️⃣ for @ManonFiorot_MMA! 🇫🇷
Who next for The Beast after #UFCVegas40? pic.twitter.com/aQibnFc4wR
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) October 17, 2021
In her most recent outing, Fiorot bested former women’s strawweight champ Rose Namajunas. The performance put the French fighter on the map, making fans worldwide take notice. Here, it must be mentioned that Fiorot is a fierce and undaunted warrior, willing to bleed if it opens the way to victory. Owing to the heart and skill she has shown so far, many feel that Manon has all the makings of a future champion.
5. William Gomis (Featherweight)
Despite going 2-2 in his first four MMA fights, William Gomis has made a turnaround for the ages. Following his first two losses, Gomiis would go on to win 9 in a row before making his way to the UFC. However, ‘The Jaguar’ was seemingly just getting started as he went on to win all five of his fights, with three coming by way of finishes.
“I’d rather die here than give up!”
🇫🇷 William Gomis was never going to tap out in front of his own! #UFCParis pic.twitter.com/qpYiAZQkim
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) September 3, 2022
Still only 26 years old, Gomis was one of the many gems unearthed by the team over at the MMA Factory. Considering the promise he has shown so far, the French prospect could become a real threat at 145lbs. Although he has yet to break into the rankings, one would assume that William is still finding his way and learning how to make himself a better fighter.
Honorable Mentions
As mentioned previously, there has been an influx of French talent owing to the UFC coming to France. With the country becoming a regular destination for the promotion, it could further encourage what has already become a hotbed of talent.
With that said, let’s take a look at some more French fighters or fighters who call France their home, that narrowly missed out on making the list. As such, these include Farés Ziam, Natan Levy, Zarah Fairn, Morgan Charrière, Taylor Lapilus, Nora Cornolle, and many more. Safe to say, the future of French MMA is in safe hands.