On Friday, Laura Balin will challenge Samantha Jean-Francois for the Hexagone MMA strawweight world title. The co-main bout will take place at the ancient Roman Theatre of Orange, a UNESCO world heritage site in France, broadcast internationally on DAZN.
Jean-Francois (7-6) will be defending the title for a second time, having successfully fended off Brazil’s Andressa Araujo with a submission in the final seconds at Hexagone MMA 7. The 36-year-old first secured the belt at Hexagone MMA 4 via first-round submission and comes into Hexagone MMA 10 on a four-fight win streak.
Opponent Balin (15-7), aged 43, brings the greater experience and has previously fought on Invicta FC and ONE Championship. She poses a serious threat to the champion with 93 percent of her victories achieved by finishes (submissions and strikes).
About Samantha Jean-Francois
Living in France, Jean-Francois is a proud representative of Reunion Island, where she was born and raised.
“In 2023, I’m entering my ninth year in MMA. But in reality, it’s only been in the last year that I have really felt complete as a fighter.”
This development is reflected in her recent fights: “Winning this belt felt like vindication for me.”
Although Jean-Francois has received various championship match offers in the past, fate has created obstacles each time. This includes the discovery that she was pregnant from pre-fight, blood test results:
Going into Hexagone MMA 10, the 36-year-old says, “I feel much fitter than I did in my twenties! Now I want to see this story through.”
About Laura Balin
Up to the age of 30, Balin led a most ordinary life. As a school teacher and manager of a small shop, she devoted her time to work and raising her two children. This all changed when she suddenly embraced a career as a fighter.
“My husband is a martial arts teacher, and he had always offered to introduce me to it. One day, I tried kickboxing with him, and I literally fell in love with the sport.”
She took her first MMA fight that same year. While at 43 years old, Balin has announced this year as her ultimate, she hopes to go out with bang with the Hexagone MMA belt around her waist.
See below for the full fight card:
MAIN CARD
- Gregory Bouchelaghem vs. Gianluca Locicero
- Champ Samantha Jean Francois vs. Laura Balin – for strawweight title
- Walter Gahadza vs. Soufiene Oudina
- Alix Jean Guillaume vs. Cedric Severac
- Axel Nobou vs. Roland Szolnoki
- Adama Diop vs. Anthony Morel
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Laid Zerhouni vs. Chresus Mokima
- Yassin Chtatou vs. Matthieu Moya
- Adam Afroune vs. Nicolae Bivol
