With HEXAGONE MMA, the Arena Futuroscope will host a mixed martial arts fight night for its very first time. Just two months after enthralling the public at the Zenith of Paris, the promotion has two world titles at stake, one male and one female. The event will also be attended by renowned fighters, from across the world’s most prestigious MMA leagues, including UFC, Bellator and KSW.
The highlight of the night is the main event, which sees Aymard Guih (16-13-1) and Walter Gahadza (19-7) compete for the welterweight world title in a match hallmarked by experience. Already reigning middleweight champion, Guih will attempt to become the first double champion in the history of the organization in his 30th professional fight. Gahadza comes as a veteran of the Bellator, experienced on many major, international events.
No less suspense surrounds the co-main bout, which sees Samantha Jean-Francois (6-6) make her first title defense in the 52-kilogram category against Andressa Araujo Rocha (6-1). The Brazilian presents a serious threat, having finished five of her six career fights, a rarity in the smaller women’s weight classes.
“We have worked to ensure very balanced matchups,” says Mathieu Nicourt, matchmaker and sports director of HEXAGONE MMA. “No fight is predictable, and that’s what makes our events so interesting.”
For Jerome Pourrut, co-founder of the organization, there is no doubt: “This is the most beautiful card we have created yet. There will be two titles at stake, recognized fighters, hopefuls, finishing specialists – everything that spectators dream of.”
Of new signees, fans will be excited to witness Norman Parke‘s HEXAGONE debut. A known veteran of the world circuit, Parke (30-7-1) will face Alfredo Souza (16-10) at 82 kilograms. Having fought with the biggest organizations, including the UFC – where he won “The Ultimate Fighter” lightweight tournament – the Irishman’s Hexagone MMA 7 fight is particularly anticipated.
Hexagone MMA 7 in Poitiers sees pride of place given to young local fighters in the preliminary matchups. In front of their home fans, these MMA hopefuls will be putting it all on the line.
“I am extremely proud to fight in my city!” enthuses Axel Nobou (1-1), preliminary fighter. “Obviously, it adds a little pressure, but it also makes you want to do the show.”
No doubt, Hexagone MMA 7 already promises to be one of European MMA’s highlight events of the year.
The full Hexagone MMA 7 lineup includes:
- Aymard Guih vs. Walter Gahadza – for vacant welterweight title
- Champ Samantha Jean-Francois vs. Andressa Araujo Rocha for women’s flyweight title
- Norman Parke vs. Alfredo Souza
- Prince Aounallah vs. Ion Grigore
- Abu Tounkara vs. Bruno Conti
- Thibault Marino vs. Helder Fernandes
- Javad Mahjoub vs. Kacper Miklasz
- Axel Nobou vs. Martian Dooh-Bill
- Weronika Eszer vs. Shanelle Dyer
- Younes Bouhassoun vs. Nacim Belhouachi
- Carlos Saborio vs. Naim Naloufi
