The dust finally settled on a violent but entertaining UFC Paris fight night. The passionate crowd in the Accor Arena kept the energy up throughout the event, even if some of the crowd favorites didn’t get their hand raised.
While the UFC will move on to the next event, the fighters who won will relish their victories. The event showcased growing prospects and rising contenders in various divisions. Who stood out?
The Sporting News looks into the top takeaways from UFC Paris.
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Top takeaways from UFC Paris
Renato Moicano is a force to be reckoned with
Renato Moicano has competed in the octagon since 2014. The Brazilian is starting to reap the benefits after securing his fourth straight win, beating hometown favorite Benoit Saint-Denis.
The 35-year-old battered Saint-Denis for the entirety of the first round, earning 10-8 scorecards. Following a second round where he slowed things down and Saint-Denis won, the doctors saw enough damage to the latter by his eye and called the fight off. It was Moicano’s twelfth win in the octagon, and likely the most satisfying.
The referee waves off the contest between Renato Moicano and Benoit Saint-Denis after Saint-Denis couldn't see out of his right eye. #UFCParis pic.twitter.com/ncZZGN4gLo
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 28, 2024
Moicano’s post-fight speech was just as entertaining as his performance. Despite his efforts, he shockingly did not make a dent in the lightweight rankings, remaining at eleventh. That is likely a result of a stacked division ready to start getting hot. His placement shouldn’t matter, and Moicano should face those at the top ASAP.
Another definitive win could result in him getting some respect while facing a top-ten monster. He appears ready for the opportunity. Are the others?
Nassourdine Imavov: The next big thing at middleweight
Nassourdine Imavov has gone on a four-fight unbeaten streak since losing against Sean Strickland in 2023. He impressed against Brendan Allen, landing 57 significant strikes and holding him to one takedown on ten attempts.
While not flashy, he is efficient enough for fight fans to take notice of his potential.
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The Russian-born Frenchman is ranked fourth in the middleweight rankings. Strickland is expected to face Dricus du Plessis in a rematch for the UFC middleweight title. If the fight is still on, Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev could determine the next challenger for the belt. Imavov may have to wait, but he is closing in on a title shot.
Farez Ziam has potential
Fares Ziam's stock continues to rise.
The Venissieux-born fighter earned his fourth straight win in a Knockout of the Year contender against Matt Frevola.
KNEE TO THE FACE 😱 #UFCParis pic.twitter.com/NhF6d4IjZZ
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 28, 2024
The first round saw Frevola bring the best out of Ziam after controlling the first half, with the latter landing 24 strikes. Following a shaky start, Ziam controlled round two with 34 significant strikes. He then landed a picture-perfect knee that had Frevola on the floor for several minutes.
Not ranked yet at lightweight, the 27-year-old has strung together impressive wins. An uptick in competition is expected, and that’s where the real fun begins.
