UFC Paris LIVE results: Gane vs Tuivasa stream, latest updates and how to watch fights tonight
Re-live updates and results from the Accor Arena as the UFC visited France for the very first time
Ciryl Gane capped off a historic night for French mixed martial arts by sending his fellow Parisians into raptures on Saturday, knocking out Tai Tuivasa in the main event of the UFC’s first ever trip to the City of Light.
Gane showed off his technical abilities – almost unrivalled in the heavyweight division – in the first round, but had to survive a heavy knockdown from Tuivasa in an enthralling second frame to earn a crucial win. It was in the third round that Gane broke down the Australian with body kicks that set up kicks and punches to the head of Tuivasa, a flurry of which put away the tourist to spark ecstasy in the Accor Arena. The result saw 32-year-old Gane, who has only been competing in MMA for four years, bounce back from the sole defeat of his professional career so far – a decision loss to former teammate Francis Ngannou in January.
In the co-main event, Robert Whittaker similarly bounced back from a title-fight defeat, outpointing Marvin Vettori with a clinical performance in the pair’s middleweight showdown.
Re-live updates and results as the UFC visited France for the very first time ever.
UFC Paris LIVE
Makdessi vs Haqparast – Round 1
Makdessi takes the centre of the Octagon at once. Southpaw Haqparast kicks high, but his opponent blocks the strike well.
Now Makdessi blocks a kick to the body, but he’ll still have felt it. Now a body kick gets through for Haqparast.
Makdessi kicks low a few times here. An overhand left lands for Haqparast.
UFC Paris LIVE
Next up is another lightweight bout!
Teammates-turned-rivals John Makdessi (18-7) and Nasrat Haqparast (13-5) will finally square off after a few attempts to make this match-up.
UFC Paris LIVE
Fares Ziam def. Michal Figlak via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 39-28).
Another win for the French!
UFC Paris LIVE
Ziam vs Figlak – Round 3
Again Figlak looks for an armbar... The pair scramble, and Figlak ends up in mount, pouring on punches!
Ziam is able to use his strength to reverse the position, though! Very impressive. Was that Figlak’s sole chance of a win at this point?
Ziam ends the fight on top of his opponent, who may no longer be unbeaten in a couple of minutes.
UFC Paris LIVE
Ziam vs Figlak – Round 3
Figlak is surely down on the scorecards and in need of a finish. Once more he comes forward.
The Pole is able to drag down Ziam against the fence, but Figlak cannot keep the Frenchman there.
The pair are back into the open, where Ziam lands a knee to the body of the approaching Figlak.
Now Ziam pushes Figlak back to the fence and lifts him, before dumping him to the canvas!
UFC Paris LIVE
Ziam vs Figlak – Round 2
Ziam wobbles Figlak badly! He pours on some hammer fists and is warned for targeting the back of the crouching Pole’s head...
Now Ziam follows Figlak to the mat, climbing into mount!
Figlak survives the round, however!
UFC Paris LIVE
Ziam vs Figlak – Round 2
Figlak was actually cut by an elbow from Ziam late in that first round, when the Frenchman was briefly on top while the lightweights were on the canvas.
Nice liver kick by Ziam, who then throws a left hook to the body of Figlak as well. The Pole responds with a left hand that appears to stun Ziam...
The Frenchman is able to maintain his senses, however, and he soon secures a takedown of Figlak!
Ziam is in half-guard, with Figlak looking to defend with intermittent armbar and sweep attempts. Eventually the Pole is able to stand, and he backs up Ziam against the fence.
UFC Paris LIVE
Ziam vs Figlak – Round 1
Figlak misses a spinning back elbow but is able to clinch and hold Ziam against the fence. Ziam shows strength to reverse the position.
Ziam is able to secure a throw, but Figlak immediately gets back to his feet. The Pole tries for a trip, but Ziam uses his opponent’s momentum against him to land on top.
Figlak maneouvres well into an armbar attempt, but Ziam just escapes the danger in time to hear the buzzer sound!
A competitive first round.
UFC Paris LIVE
Ziam vs Figlak – Round 1
No touch of gloves from Figlak, who soon presses forward. Ziam is wisely trying to stay calm and circle away.
The Frenchman now flicks out some low kicks and looks to land counter hooks as Figlak steps in eagerly.
Figlak shoots for a takedown against the fence, but Ziam does well to hold the Pole’s hands and limit his chances of advancing the progression.
The lightweights separate and move into the open, but Figlak soon comes forward again and lands a hook to the liver of Ziam.
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