The UFC continues to travel the globe. Fresh off an incredible UFC Shanghai card, which featured 10 finishes in 13 fights, the MMA leader heads to Paris, France. With the top talents of French MMA like Cyril Gane or Benoit Saint Denise unavailable for this card, the UFC added one of the best prospects in the world.
Making his name in the European circuit, Salahdine Parnasse has become one of the consensus best fighters outside of the UFC. That was until July of this year, when Parnasse’s signing with the UFC was announced along with his first fight.
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Before signing with the UFC, Parnasse claimed KSW titles in two divisions. Entering Saturday night with a 23-2 record, Parnasse is a well-rounded fighter who thrives with his boxing and top control when on the ground
It’s easy to tell when a new UFC fighter is looked at as an instant contender. Parnasse is just that, as he draws longtime lightweight contender Dan Hooker in his UFC debut. Not only does Parnasse draw a seasoned UFC veteran, but also a main event slot in his home country.
This card is filled with international talents from France and around the world, but who comes out on top in Paris?
Main Event: Dan Hooker vs Salahdine Parnasse
Jul 8, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Jalin Turner (red gloves) fights Dan Hooker (blue gloves) during UFC 290 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
A high-pressure spot for both fighters. Hooker looks to remind the world that he’s still got some juice left at 155 pounds. Parnasse looks to join the UFC with a splash and introduce himself to the world as a bona fide lightweight contender.
Parnasse’s boxing ability should give Hooker problems, especially since there seems to be a speed advantage as well. Hooker is as durable as they come, so this fight could drag out longer than it may seem.
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Even so, it’s hard to bet against the talent of Parnasse, who’s just 28 years old and entering the prime of his career. Lately, Hooker has been inconsistent and has struggled to keep up with the world’s best.
The UFC signed Parnasse with the expectation that he’s just that.
Final prediction – Salahdine Parnasse via second-round TKO
Co-main event: Fares Ziam vs Axel Sola
Dec 6, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, UNITED STATES; Fares Ziam (blue gloves) prior to the fight against Nazim Sadykhov (red gloves) during UFC 323 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
France’s Fares Ziam returns home to bounce back in a big way. After losing his first fight since 2022, Ziam faces Axel Sola, a finisher who thrives using his reach and striking to find KO shots.
This fight feels like guaranteed action, and one where the scorecards won’t be needed. Both Ziam and Sola are lanky lightweights who aren’t afraid to get in the fire and cause havoc.
The experience edge clearly belongs to Ziam; that, combined with being at home, will lead to a vicious highlight that has the French fans roaring.
Final prediction – Fares Ziam via third-round TKO
Michael “Venom” Page vs Nursulton Rusiboev
Mar 21, 2026; London,UNITED KINGDOM; Michael Page (red gloves) reacts after the fight against Sam Patterson (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at O2 Arena. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
One of the most intriguing fight styles in MMA. Michael “Venom” Page presents an awkward striking style predicated on elusive movement and pinpoint strikes. Rusiboev is a well-rounded fighter who prides himself on finding finishes.
If this fight gets to the mat, it’s a problem for Page, who has historically struggled with high-level grappling talent. However, theres a reason that Page is 25-3: his style is so hard to prepare for and hard to mimic in training camp. It can throw fighters off their game if they aren’t fully prepared.
It won’t be the most entertaining fight, but Page’s movement will cause problems for Rusiboev.
Final prediction – Michael “Venom” Page via unanimous decision
Daniil Donchenko vs Punahele Soriano
Sep 13, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, UNITED STATES; Daniil Donchenko (blue gloves) reacts after the fight against Rodrigo Sezinanfo (red gloves) during Noche UFC at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Donchenko makes his third walk into the UFC octagon on Saturday. The 25-year-old is an elite striker who trains out of Tiger Muay Thai. Soriano is a longtime veteran in the UFC who’s never really broken through into contender status.
This fight should be one-way traffic for Donchenko. The striking volume will be a huge factor; Donchenko averages 7.2 strikes landed per minute, much more than Soriano’s 4.4.
Final Prediction – Daniil Donchenko via first-round TKO
Morgan Charriere vs Felipe Lima
Jun 28, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Felipe Lima (blue gloves) prior to the fight against Payton Talbot (red gloves) during UFC 317 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Lima is known for his wrestling volume and great cardio. That will be a catalyst for his performance this weekend. Shots for takedowns will come often.
This could be Charriere’s last fight in the UFC. He’s 2-3 in his last five fights and is coming off a brutal head-kick KO loss in his last bout. Theres a chance that Lima could walk into some power strikes from Charriere, but the forward pressure and grappling advantage should pay dividends for Lima.
Final prediction – Felipe Lima via Unanimous decision
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