A huge roar with 11,000 spectators standing up to applaud the winner! In a cage located in the center of the hall of the Accor Arena in Bercy, the Habs Yves Landu has just won by KO at the expense of the American Matt Hugues thanks to a knee to the liver then a kick to the figure that trigger the enthusiasm of the fans present.
The former breakdance world vice-champion celebrates his victory with a backflip that delights the public. A song to his glory as in a football match is even sung by the crowd. Two years after a first edition with a gauge of 1,000 people due to the Covid-19, Bellator, the second largest MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) organization in the United States, organized this Friday a 2nd event in the enclosure of the XIIth arrondissement of Paris.
A show of more than four hours appreciated by an audience of neophytes or connoisseurs like Nicolas, a thirty-year-old. “A fight to find out who is the strongest in recreation speaks to everyone, laughs the one who works in events. I’ve been a fan of MMA since 2012. I stumbled across a fight and immediately caught the virus. At the beginning, you find it hardcore and, afterwards, we see that it’s very technical. We are happy with this event because we have been waiting for the legalization of MMA in France for a very long time. »
“There are a lot of knockouts, it’s great”
At his side, Julien, an assistant director takes full advantage of the evening. “My friend took me here tonight and I don’t regret it, insists this supporter who is a subscriber to… OM! I discovered MMA a little over 6 months ago by watching on my computer or on TV. Before, I was a boxing fan then I fell into MMA quite quickly. It’s quite an art, there are several combat sports at the same time. »
Many women also met at the Accor Arena for the show. An early fan, Camélia appreciates all combat sports and more particularly MMA. “I see them a bit like gladiators in the arena, says the 30-year-old who posts videos of the evening on social networks. I like this bestial side. It is above all tactics and technique before violence. All of these fights are truly magical. »
It’s almost 11 p.m. when the evening’s Bellator world title fight between Cheikh Kongo and Ryan Bader kicks off. “It’s very impressive, there are a lot of knockouts, it’s great, says Manal, who practices English boxing as a hobby. I had already seen fights on TV but never in real life. I loved the atmosphere, the show, it’s great! I’ll be back. »