LONDON – As Hexagone MMA prepares for its two June events, the first fights have been announced for its June 17 card. Hexagone MMA 9 will see the promoter return to Reims Arena, close on the heels of the organization’s eighth event on June 3 at Beziers’ iconic bullfighting ring.
Hexagone MMA 9 is to include a world heavyweight title match in “the most explosive category, often provider of the KO.” Fighting for the belt are France’s Prince Aounallah (16-11) and Ivory Coast’s Paul-Emmanuel Gnaze (6-2), both victors of their recent bouts at Hexagone MMA 7.
With a background in sambo but transitioning early to MMA, Aounallah is considered to be an exciting all-arounder with 10 finishes out of 16 wins to his name, including seven knockouts and three submissions. His last victory on Hexagone MMA was secured by unanimous decision. Gnaze, in contrast, is primarily an aggressive striker. He has won five of his six victories in the first round – four by knockout and one, in his last Hexagone performance, via Americana submission.
The Reims fight night will also be marked by the return of social media star Matthieu Letho Duclos (4-2). Rising to popularity refereeing amateur fights on the YouTube channel IbraTV, the Frenchman has since proven to be formidable himself in the cage. He stands as one of Hexagone MMA’s true rising stars, bringing down the house at his last outing. His opponent, Spaniard Geison Santana Moreno (3-1), presents a serious challenge as he will be looking to glean his third consecutive victory before the bell.
Continuing to provide a platform for the development of mixed martial arts in the French provinces, Hexagone MMA will take advantage of its visit to Reims to highlight local fighters alongside international names. The card will be broadcast across 150 countries on DAZN and on BT Sport in the U.K. and Ireland. Sofiane Aissaoui and Alexis Fontes will be among local talent hoping to shine in front of their home crowd.
“We have been keen to put together a very high-level card for our return to Reims,” commented Jerome Pourrut, co-founder of Hexagone MMA. “At our first event at the Reims Arena, everyone was taken aback by the exceptional atmosphere created by the spectators, so we absolutely had to propose something special for this time around. In the coming weeks, the rest of the matches will be unveiled, and the public will not be disappointed!
Hexagone MMA will also be announcing the line-ups for Hexagone MMA 8 on June 3 and Hexagone MMA 10 on July 28 in the coming weeks, as well as the dates and locations for its international events in the second half of the year.
