The heavyweight world championship between Prince Aounallah (16-11) and Paul-Emmanuel Gnaze (6-2) tops the bill for Hexagone MMA 9, scheduled for June 17, 2023 at Reims Arena in France. The event also marks the home debut of Anthony Dizy, one of the best French fighters of his generation, and will be broadcast live internationally.
For its return to Reims on June 17, Hexagone MMA has planned a high-caliber card for an evening that already promises to be spectacular. The world heavyweight title is at stake and guarantees a clash that will excite fans in one of MMA’s most explosive categories, renowned for its knockouts. Entering the championship for the main fight are France’s Aounallah and Ivorian Gnaze, both winners of their previous fights at Hexagone MMA 7.
Before the big guys meet, Reims Arena promises an electric welcome for local hero Dizy (14-4), whose Hexagone MMA debut is particularly anticipated. A former elite-level wrestler medalling at the European Championships, the Frenchman has fought across renowned international mixed martial arts organizations that include Bellator, Cage Warriors, BAMMA, M-1 and in the prestigious $1 million PFL tournament. In his first home fight, he will face Peruvian Roger Garcia (8-4) in the lightweight category.
Alongside new faces are athletes that have already graced the Hexagone MMA cage. Standouts include social media star Matthieu Letho Duclos (4-2) facing Spaniard Geison Santana Moreno (3-1) at 84 kilograms. Attaining popularity through his refereeing of amateur fights on the Youtube channel IbraTV, the Frenchman has since proven himself to be formidable in the cage with his last two victories by knockout. Ditto for aspirational lightweight Abou Tounkara (8-4) who will face British Cage Warriors’ veteran Tim Barnett (7-4-1) for a battle between finishers.
Finally, true to usual form, Hexagone MMA will pay homage to local fighters in Reims. In addition to Dizy, other notable, local fighters on the card are Sofiane Aissaoui (9-5), against Peruvian Cristiano Estela Rios (17-7), and Alexis Fontes (4-2), facing compatriot Kevin Del (4-6-1).
“To build a good card you have to include a little bit of everything,” explains Mathieu Nicourt, matchmaker and sports director of the organization. “We are highly satisfied with how this one has come together. There are circuit legends, prospects and regional fighters in the mix. It’s going to be a huge night.”
The Hexagone MMA 9 lineup includes:
- Prince Aounallah vs. Paul-Emmanuel Gnaze – for inaugural heavyweight title
- Anthony Dizy vs. Roger Garcia
- Abou tounkara vs. Tim Barnett
- Eva Dourthe vs. Andressa Romero
- Matthieu Letho Duclos vs. Geison Santana Moreno
- Sofiane Aissaoui vs. Cristiano Estela Rios
- Alexis Fontes vs. Kevin Del
- Boualem Sahraoui vs. Maximilien Vallot
- Mohamed-Amine Rico Abassi vs. Nicolae Bivol
