Ciryl Gane and Rose Namajunas are setting their sights on redemption in the City of Lights. Both fighters are looking to bounce back after experiencing what could arguably be considered the most deflating defeats of their respective careers. Gane found himself tapping out swiftly to Jon Jones, who made Gane seem like a stranger in his own domain. Namajunas, on the other hand, lost to Carla Esparza in a decision that left fans scratching their heads, questioning both fighters’ will to take home the win.
This Saturday provides a new battleground for Gane to show that his grappling defense has improved. He’ll be up against the relentless Serghei Spivac, while Namajunas is looking for a career resurgence as she takes on top flyweight contender Manon Fiorot in a divisional leap.
As if that weren’t enough to get the MMA world buzzing, the card is jam-packed with French fighters, including Morgan Charriere and William Gomis, both from the Cage Warriors circuit, and the returning Taylor Lapilus.
Event Details:
- What: UFC Paris
- Where: Accor Arena, Paris
- When: Saturday, September 2. Preliminary card kicks off at 12:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card at 3 p.m. ET, also on ESPN+.
Heavyweights Square Off: It’s Gane vs. Spivac in Paris!
(Standing according to MMA Hook’s Global Rankings in parentheses)
Ciryl Gane (3) vs. Serghei Spivac (10)
The moment Spivac attempts his first takedown, Gane’s fanbase might be overcome by haunting déjà vu. Gane previously stumbled against Jon Jones and wasn’t impressive when resisting takedowns from Francis Ngannou, who isn’t even a grappling specialist. But, sometimes you gotta roll with a gut feeling. I’m predicting Gane’s victory based more on faith and trust in his coaching staff to have intensely trained him in takedown defense. Plus, Gane’s agility and speed make him a moving target too elusive for Spivac. Expect Spivac to grow frustrated, opening the door for Gane to unleash and score the knockout.
Prediction: Gane
Manon Fiorot (5) vs. Rose Namajunas (5, SW)
Namajunas faces a tall order (literally and figuratively) as she takes on Manon Fiorot. Fiorot’s unique karate-based striking could be a puzzle too complex for Namajunas to solve quickly. While Namajunas has proven her caliber, she’s battling ring rust and questions surrounding her motivation. This is a bout Fiorot should control, ultimately cruising to a decision victory.
Prediction: Fiorot
Benoit Saint Denis vs. Thiago Moises
In the lightweight division, Saint Denis and Moises are somewhat the underdogs who could steal the show. Moises has been quietly accumulating wins but has stumbled against the division’s cream of the crop. Saint Denis, a local favorite, has been annihilating his opponents. Home-field advantage and superior stand-up skills make Saint Denis the favorite.
Prediction: Saint Denis
Volkan Oezdemir (15) vs. Bogdan Guskov
Guskov steps in as a late replacement, boasting a reputation as a surgical striker. Oezdemir knows a thing or two about being the dark horse and will likely use his experience to his advantage. Oezdemir’s counter-striking will be key here.
Prediction: Oezdemir
William Gomis vs. Yanis Ghemmouri
These two Frenchmen find themselves in a last-minute matchup that could end up being the night’s most unexpected battle. Ghemmouri has been a finisher lately, while Gomis has been a steady, if not spectacular, performer. I’m going out on a limb and predicting an upset.
Prediction: Ghemmouri
Morgan Charriere vs. Manolo Zecchini
This bout offers a striking spectacle or a tactical borefest, depending on Charriere’s approach. Zecchini brings unpredictability but is likely to struggle with Charriere’s wrestling and calculated stand-up game. Charriere should take this one by decision.
Prediction: Charriere
Preliminary Card Predictions:
- Taylor Lapilus defeats Caolan Loughran
- Rhys McKee beats Ange Loosa
- Nora Cornolle triumphs over Joselyne Edwards
- Farid Basharat gets past Kleydson Rodrigues
- Jacqueline Cavalcanti overcomes Zarah Fairn
Whether or not my predictions are on the money, one thing’s for sure: this card is set to bring plenty of drama and possibly a few twists and turns. I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC Paris Predictions
What is the main event of UFC Paris?
The main event of UFC Paris features a heavyweight bout between Ciryl Gane and Serghei Spivac.
Who is Ciryl Gane facing off against?
Ciryl Gane is facing off against Serghei Spivac, a wrestle-first, strike-later kind of opponent. This bout is especially crucial for Gane as he aims to redeem his previous losses.
What challenges does Rose Namajunas face in her match?
Rose Namajunas is going up against Manon Fiorot, a top flyweight contender. Fiorot is known for her tricky, karate-based striking style, which presents a significant challenge for Namajunas.
Where is UFC Paris being held?
UFC Paris is taking place at the Accor Arena in Paris.
When will the event start?
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 2. The five-fight preliminary card begins at 12:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by a six-fight main card at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
Who are some other fighters to watch on the UFC Paris card?
Apart from the main and co-main events, look out for fighters like Morgan Charriere, William Gomis, and Taylor Lapilus, who are showcasing the local French talent.
Are there any dark-horse matchups in the card?
Yes, the lightweight bout between Benoit Saint Denis and Thiago Moises is considered a dark-horse matchup. Both fighters are promising but have yet to make a significant impact in the UFC.
What’s the narrative surrounding Rose Namajunas?
Namajunas is coming off a humbling decision loss to Carla Esparza, costing her the UFC strawweight title. Her match against Manon Fiorot offers her a chance at a new life in a higher weight division.
How can I watch the UFC Paris event?
You can catch the five-fight preliminary card beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and continue watching the six-fight main card at 3 p.m. ET also on ESPN+.
Are there any last-minute fighter replacements?
Yes, Bogdan Guskov is stepping in for Azamat Murzakanov to fight Volkan Oezdemir. Yanis Ghemmouri is also a last-minute replacement, taking on William Gomis.
More about UFC Paris Predictions
- UFC Official Website
- Ciryl Gane’s Fighter Profile
- Serghei Spivac’s Fighter Profile
- Rose Namajunas’ Career Stats
- Manon Fiorot’s Fighter Profile
- Accor Arena Official Site
- ESPN+ UFC Coverage
- Benoit Saint Denis vs. Thiago Moises Preview
- Last-Minute Replacements in UFC Paris
- Local French Fighters in UFC Paris
10 comments
Love the drama in these matchups. Its like a blockbuster movie but in real life. Just grab your popcorn folks.
Who is this Zecchini guy? Never heard of him. You make it sound like he’s got some skills but i dunno man.
Charriere by decision? Nah man, he’ll be looking to make a statement, I bet it ends in a finish.
Accor Arena hosting UFC, nice! can’t wait to see how the Paris crowd reacts to their local heroes, especially Charriere.
i disagree about Gomis vs Ghemmouri, man. Gomis has been on fire lately. don’t underestimate experience, Ghemmouri ain’t got the chops.
Wow, you really think Spivac is gonna lose? Man, I feel like he’s gonna be the surprise of the night.
is the fight gonna be streamable on ESPN+? u mentioned it but wasnt clear.
Haha, you called Gane ‘Bon Gamin’!! Good one! but i feel he’s more of a Bon Homme, considering how he dominates the octagon!
If Namajunas isn’t sharp, she’s gonna be another name on Fiorot’s hit list. period.
Rose moving up a weight class, finally! Bout time. But putting her against Fiorot? That’s a trial by fire, man.