A new chapter in French MMA history has just been written! This Friday, June 12th, for its very first event in Lyon, HEXAGONE MMA Winamax drew over 12,000 spectators to the LDLC Arena, setting a record for a French league. The highlight of this memorable evening was Anzor Baybatyrov’s stunning victory in the main event, delivering a devastating knockout to the prodigy Paul Dena. HEXAGONE MMA Winamax has already scheduled a return to the LDLC Arena for June 4th, 2027.
Paul Dena knocked out in round 1
It was a record-breaking night! Five years after its creation, HEXAGONE MMA Winamax hosted the biggest gala in its history this Friday, in a packed LDLC Arena. A massive event, driven by a fiery main event between Paul Dena and Anzor Baybatyrov, meant to bring to a close a rivalry that had become electric on social media. Long awaited by an entire nation, the clash certainly lived up to all expectations, with Anzor delivering a devastating knockout to Paul Dena at the start of round 1. Sensational!
“I had a great training camp, I worked hard for this moment, and I want to thank everyone who helped me get here. Now, I’m going to rest and think about what’s next,” said an emotional Anzor Baybatyrov, before briefly clarifying his situation. “I am of Chechen origin, but I live in France, and I represent France!”
New finish for Samba Sima
But in Lyon, before the main event, other French talents were under intense scrutiny, starting with Samba Sima! The Parisian, a former amateur world vice-champion and considered the best prospect in French MMA, faced the formidable Leonardo de Oliveira in his fourth professional fight. Despite the significant difference in experience (18 fights for the Brazilian), Samba Sima delivered a masterful performance, culminating in a TKO victory in the first round. The future is bright for him.
“My opponent landed some blows in the opening exchanges. He stunned me, and I saw stars. But I thought, ‘No, this can’t be happening, after everything I’ve done to get here!’ I wasn’t able to showcase everything I’ve worked on in training, but I did what was essential, so I’m happy,” commented Samba Sima, before looking ahead to his next fight, which he hopes will be even more prestigious. “Now I want the belt! I want to fight the champion, Romero dos Reis, in Paris, in my own home.”
Lapilus made a successful debut, Landouzy made a lasting impression.
Almost as anticipated as the main events, the Lapilus-Agbo clash was the other highlight of this inaugural Lyon event. After several weeks of provocation, experience finally prevailed over youth, with Damien Lapilus securing a decision victory. The Frenchman, a new recruit for HEXAGONE MMA Winamax, is making a strong debut and seems destined for the featherweight title.
Among the other impressive performances, northern wrestler Allan Landouzy also stood out in Lyon, with a mature victory over Abdul Hussainkhil after a hard-fought three-round battle. A former amateur world champion, Landouzy confirms his successful transition to the professional ranks. Also noteworthy were the superb victories of local fighters Anas Azizoun and Muhammed-Fatih Ozturk, who defeated Youssouf Ouattara by submission and Nezar Bahaji by knockout, respectively. Following this resounding success, HEXAGONE MMA has already set its sights on the next event, returning to the LDLC Arena in Lyon on June 4, 2027.
Ticket link: https://www.olvallee.fr/evenement/hexagone-mma-juin-2027/
The official results of HEXAGONE MMA 45:
