The PFL has recently acquired the services of former Glory Kickboxing champion Cedric Doumbe. The welterweight fighter made his PFL debut at PFL Europe 3. In kickboxing, Doumbe is a two-time Glory Welterweight Champion, having defended the title five times at Glory Kickboxing.
Cedric has earned recognition as the pound-for-pound welterweight fighter globally by reputable publications like Combat Press. Doumbe is known among the hardcore martial arts community as one of the most dangerous knockout artists, pound for pound.
Cedric Doumbe excels in PFL debut
Cedric Doumbe made his highly anticipated PFL debut at PFL Europe 3 where he was in the main event against Jordan Zebo. He secured a remarkable victory by knocking out his opponent, just nine seconds into the first round.
Doumbe displayed impeccable offense and defense in the striking aspect of the fight, which lasted less than 10 seconds. The punch that resulted in his opponent’s knockout delivered the full force of his body. This victory has positioned Doumbe for continued impact and success within the Professional Fighters League.
Doumbe was initially signed by the UFC, but he was released soon after the cancellation of his bout at UFC Paris 2022. The former Glory kickboxing champion worked his trade in MMA in the regional circuit in France.
PSG Players, Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi were present ringside and the French footballer’s reaction to the Doumbe knockout is going the rounds on social media. Mbappe even tweeted the victory of his countrymen on X (formerly Twitter).
Cedric Doumbe rejected UFC to join PFL
CĆ©dric Doumbe’s journey in mixed martial arts took an unexpected turn when his scheduled fight against Darian Weeks was canceled. The fight was originally set for UFC Paris 2022 on September 3, 2022. However, the French MMA Federation declined to sanction the bout due to rules regarding the experience gap between fighters.
Additionally, an MRI scan revealed a health concern. Consequently, Doumbe was released from his UFC contract shortly after the fight’s cancellation.On May 10, 2023, Doumbe signed a two-year contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He was initially slated to debut against Jarrah Al-Silawi at PFL 6 on June 23, 2023. Unfortunately, he had to withdraw from the bout due to a wrist injury.
The UFC currently has two fighters from the Glory Kickboxing promotion who have tasted the UFC gold. Israel Adesanya transitioned to MMA after his loss to Alex Periera at Glory of Heroes 7 and won the middleweight title at UFC 243. Periera is the second alumni from Glory Kickboxing to become champion after his victory over Adesanya at UFC 281.
Cedric Doumbe is the second high-profile fighter that the UFC missed out. Roberto Soldic, the former KSW double champion signed with One Championship after negotiations with the UFC failed. Moreover, the UFC lost Francis Ngannou to the PFL after the promotion failed to meet the demands of the then-heavyweight champion.
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