Success continues for HEXAGONE MMA Winamax! This Friday, at the Zénith in Lille, the number one mixed martial arts organization in France delivered a flawless performance in front of thousands of enthusiastic spectators. In the main event, local fighter Ilian Bouafia dominated Croatian Leon Krajacic to reach the semi-finals of the €100,000 middleweight tournament! The highlight of an epic evening!
At home, Bouafia asserts his power
He was awaited by a whole nation! Originally from Roubaix, Ilian Bouafia was the main attraction at HEXAGONE MMA 39 this Friday at the Zénith in Lille. Before a supportive crowd, the fighter from northern France lived up to expectations, defeating Croatian Leon Krajacic by submission in round 1. With this victory (his 8th consecutive win), he advances to the semi-finals of the €100,000 middleweight tournament and will face champion Matthieu Letho Duclos for a place in the final! That clash is scheduled for April 11th at the Zénith in Paris!
“You should know that my father died here 24 years ago, in this very arena, so it was a very special evening for me,” Bouafia confided after his victory. Amidst applause from the crowd, the Northerner then looked ahead to his next bout against Matthieu Letho Duclos. “People quickly forget that I’m undefeated and that I finish almost all my fights. I’m capable of anything; I’ve trained the best, Khamazat Chimaev, Nassourdine Imavov… On April 11th, we’ll see if I have any limits!”
Abdulaev-Prigent, a splendid clash
But on Friday, all eyes were also on the co-main event of the evening. A very high-level duel between two undefeated prospects: Arnaud Prigent (3-0) and Magomed Abdulaev (3-0). Technical, talented, and tireless, the two men delivered an unforgettable fight, ultimately won by Abdulaev after 15 minutes of high-flying action!
“I’m very happy to show the entire crowd my fighting style, in the best organization in France,” commented the Franco-Russian into the microphone, following his superb victory. “Now, I want the featherweight belt! I hope the organization will give me that fight. I’d like to face Brandon Brachet for the title.”
Arezki delivers
Finally, in Lille, other talents were able to showcase their skills in the cage. Leading the pack: rising star Souhil Arezki! The former amateur world champion from Paris secured his second professional victory this Friday, following a truly dominant performance against Brazilian Rafael Gemaque (TKO round 3). In the same flyweight division, the experienced Maximilien Vallot emerged victorious from a hard-fought battle against Liridon Ramani. A future Arezki-Vallot showdown perhaps?
After this perfect evening, HEXAGONE MMA Winamax is already marking its next event! On May 7, 2027, the number one MMA organization in France will return to the Zénith in Lille for another spectacular show!
Official results from HEXAGONE MMA 39:
