The UFC returns to the French capital this Saturday, September 6, 2025, with an electrifying event at the Accor Arena in Paris, featuring top MMA talents. Three Brazilians — Caio Borralho, Maurício Ruffy, and Patrício Pitbull — represent the country in the main card, highlighted by the clash between Borralho and Frenchman Nassourdine Imavov in the middleweight division. The event kicks off at 1:00 PM (Brasília time), with live streaming on UFC Fight Pass and the first three preliminary fights broadcast for free on the UFC’s official YouTube channel. The main event is a pivotal moment for Borralho, who aims for a win to edge closer to a potential title shot. Meanwhile, Ruffy takes on Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event, and Pitbull opens the main card against Losene Keita in his third UFC appearance. The event underscores the growing popularity of UFC in Europe and the strength of Brazilian fighters on the global stage.
The UFC Paris full card offers a mix of rising stars and established veterans. The presence of Brazilians in three of the six main card fights heightens fans’ anticipation for high-level performances. Additionally, the weigh-ins brought a twist: Pitbull’s fight was canceled due to Keita’s failure to make weight, but the Brazilian is already eyeing UFC Rio in October.
The Accor Arena, known for hosting major sporting events, will be the stage for intense matchups. The UFC has prepared a spectacle combining strategic fights and regional rivalries, with French fighters Imavov and Saint Denis backed by the local crowd.
- Key UFC Paris highlights:
- Main event: Imavov vs. Borralho, a fight that could determine the next middleweight title contender.
- Co-main event: Ruffy faces Saint Denis in a battle of rising lightweights.
- Brazilian presence: Three Brazilian fighters on the main card, showcasing the country’s MMA prowess.
- Accessible broadcast: Free prelims on YouTube and main card on UFC Fight Pass.
Main event: Imavov vs. Borralho
The UFC Paris main event pits Caio Borralho, a rising Brazilian middleweight, against Nassourdine Imavov, a French fighter looking to solidify his name in the division. Borralho, undefeated in the UFC with five wins, including victories over Paul Craig and Michał Oleksiejczuk, steps into the octagon with a chance to break into the top 5. His technical approach, blending grappling and precise striking, will be tested against Imavov, who boasts an aggressive style and a recent dominant win over Jared Cannonier.
Imavov, fighting at home, relies on the crowd’s energy to dictate the pace. With 13 career wins, he excels in striking versatility and takedown defense. The matchup is seen as a critical test for Borralho, who, at 32, could inch closer to a title shot against names like Khamzat Chimaev or Dricus Du Plessis. The fight promises balance, with analysts slightly favoring the Brazilian due to his consistency.
- Borralho’s strengths:
- Versatility on the ground and standing.
- Above-average conditioning.
- Calculated strategy with minimal errors.
- Undefeated streak in the UFC.
Ruffy faces Saint Denis in the co-main event
Maurício Ruffy, another rising Brazilian, faces a tough challenge against Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event. Ruffy, from the Fighting Nerds team, debuted in the UFC with a stunning knockout over Jamie Mullarkey, showcasing power and speed in the lightweight division. At 28, he seeks his second UFC win to establish himself as a prospect.
Saint Denis, a fan favorite in France, is known for his aggression and jiu-jitsu skills. Coming off a string of wins, he’s on the cusp of the lightweight top 15. The fight is a clash of styles: Ruffy’s explosive striking versus Saint Denis’ relentless pressure, likely aiming to take the fight to the ground. The local crowd will make the Accor Arena a cauldron, but Ruffy has shown he thrives in hostile environments.
This bout has the potential to be one of the night’s most thrilling, with both fighters known for quick finishes. Analysts suggest Ruffy’s key is keeping the fight standing, while Saint Denis will look to impose his grappling.
Pitbull and the weigh-in controversy
Patrício Pitbull, a former Bellator champion, was set to open the main card against Losene Keita, but the fight was canceled at the last minute due to Keita’s failure to make weight. Pitbull, who made weight without issue, expressed frustration but is already targeting a new opportunity at UFC Rio on October 11. The Brazilian, who defeated Dan Ige in his last outing, aims to solidify his transition to the UFC and prove he can compete with the best featherweights.
Keita’s weight miss sparked criticism on social media, with fans pointing to a lack of professionalism. Pitbull used the incident to highlight his discipline and readiness to face any opponent. His callout for UFC Rio was well-received, though the event’s proximity may complicate adding a new fight to the card.
- Timeline of the controversy:
- Keita failed to hit the 66 kg featherweight limit at the weigh-in.
- Pitbull made weight and was ready for the fight.
- Fight canceled hours before the event, causing frustration.
- Pitbull proposed fighting at UFC Rio against any available opponent.
Preliminary card: rising stars
The UFC Paris preliminary card, starting at 1:00 PM, features fights that promise to showcase new talent. Brazilian standouts include Kauê Fernandes, facing Harry Hardwick in the lightweight division, and Brendson Ribeiro, taking on Oumar Sy in the light heavyweight category. The prelims offer a platform for lesser-known fighters to gain visibility, with free YouTube streaming attracting a broad audience.
Among the matchups, the heavyweight clash between Marcin Tybura and Ante Delija is a fan favorite. Tybura, a division veteran, seeks a rebound after a loss, while Delija aims to cement his place. The heavyweight division, known for quick knockouts, could steal the show in the prelims.
- Fights to watch:
- William Gomis vs. Robert Ruchala: a stylistic clash in the featherweight division.
- Oumar Sy vs. Brendson Ribeiro: Brazilian power against a French prospect.
- Marcin Tybura vs. Ante Delija: experience versus youth in the heavyweights.
How to watch and event times
The event begins at 1:00 PM (Brasília time) with the preliminary card, with the first three fights streamed for free on YouTube. The rest of the card, including prelims and the main card, is available on UFC Fight Pass, the UFC’s official streaming platform. The main card starts at 4:00 PM, featuring Borralho, Ruffy, and other top names.
The accessible broadcast reflects the UFC’s strategy to grow its European fanbase, particularly in France, where MMA was recently legalized. The event is expected to draw thousands in attendance and millions online, with strong social media engagement.
UFC Paris also marks the organization’s return to the city after two years, establishing the Accor Arena as a key MMA venue in Europe. The presence of local and Brazilian fighters creates an intriguing contrast, with rivalries set to heat up the octagon.
Full card details
UFC Paris features 14 fights across the preliminary and main cards. Beyond the highlighted matchups, other bouts stand out, such as Modestas Bukauskas vs. Paul Craig in the light heavyweight division and Bolaji Oki vs. Mason Jones in the lightweight category. The diversity of weight classes and styles ensures a dynamic event with potential for knockouts, submissions, and technical decisions.
- Full card highlights:
- Middleweight: Imavov vs. Borralho headlines the night.
- Lightweight: Ruffy vs. Saint Denis promises intense action.
- Heavyweight: Tybura vs. Delija could end in a knockout.
- Featherweight: Gomis vs. Ruchala opens the prelims with agility.
- Women’s strawweight: Shauna Bannon vs. Sam Hughes closes the prelims.
