The French Renaissance of MMA may very well be upon us all.
Though the sport was only legalized in France less than five years ago, the world has quickly taken notice of its wild popularity in the country. With UFC, PFL, and Bellator events producing rowdy crowds each time, “Lazy King” [autotag]Abdoul Abdouaguimov[/autotag] is proud to be one of the figureheads in his home country’s movement.
“It’s very amazing, the French arenas here (with) the fans,” Abdouraguimov recently told MMA Junkie. “Even I saw the PFL tournament final of PFL in America. There wasn’t much public in the arena, like Paris. It’s very popular here now in France. It’s the right moment for the fighters to fight. We have a lot of propositions to fight for other fighters. It’s the right time here in France. Before it was forbidden, MMA. Now, it’s a great time here for MMA fighters and fans.”
Abdouraguimov (17-1) debuted with an electric finish of Brad Wheeler in his promotional debut in September. Thursday, he has the chance to repeat when he fights Jack Grant (19-7) at 2024 PFL Europe 1 in Paris.
Sharing the card with Abdouraguimov is kickboxing sensation Cedric Doumbe, perhaps the most popular fighter in the country’s limited mixed martial arts history. Doumbe (5-0) fights fellow top Frenchman Baysangur Chamsoudinov (7-0).
“He’s a superstar now here in France and even internationally he’s well known,” Abdouraguimov said. “I know him, yes. We talk with each other. He’s a good fighter. He is confident. It’s very important as a fighter to have confidence. So I’m curious to see what he’s going to do in his next fight because he has a very good opponent, also, ‘Baki.’ His nickname is ‘Baki.’ I know him and I talk with him. So I’m curious to see how the fight is going to be.”
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Despite his pride for France and his love for the people, Abdouraguimov’s willingness to take on all comers is not hindered. Both Doumbe and Chamsoudinov are in his division, so future matchups aren’t out of question.
A France vs. France matchup would likely do mega numbers nationally.
“As a fighter, I’m open to fighting anybody,” Abdouraguimov said. “Of course, if it’s a guy who I’m training with all the years at my gym, that’s like my brother. So that fight is not very cool. But I’m open to fight anybody. For me, it’s no problem (to fight) a countryman. At the end of the day, it’s a sports game. It’s nothing personal. So for me, there’s no problem.