Cédric Doumbè vs. Baki: The rematch in 2025

"The return match will take place, undeniably." These words, uttered with the characteristic aplomb of Cédric Doumbè at the microphone of Apolline de Malherbe, resonate like a promise. A rematch, eight months after a controversial fight, a thorn in the side in the literal sense, and a significant defeat for the French champion. In 2025, history will be rewritten, probably in the mythical setting of the Parc des Princes. But what is really hidden behind this announcement?

A rivalry born out of controversy

To understand, we have to go back to March 7. That day, Doumbè faced Baysangour "Baki" Chamsoudinov in Paris. An electric atmosphere, overexcited fans, and yet, an outcome that left everyone hungry for more. In the third round, Doumbè, visibly weakened by a splinter in his foot, could no longer continue. The referee declared Baki the winner.

The decision triggered a wave of reactions. Doumbè blamed bad luck and demanded a rematch. Social networks went wild: some cried injustice, others praised Baki's performance. For months, this fight fueled discussions among MMA fans.

"If the PFL decided to sign Baki, it was only for this revenge," Doumbè insisted during his intervention on RMC. A statement that speaks volumes about the importance of this confrontation.

The Parc des Princes, the scene of an unprecedented event?

One intriguing detail: Doumbè mentioned a venue with a “park look” for this rematch. A thinly veiled allusion to the Parc des Princes, which could become the first French stadium to host an MMA event of this magnitude.

The idea is ambitious, but not unrealistic. MMA, once banned in France, has been booming since its legalization in 2020. Spectators are filling arenas, television channels are fighting over the rights, and figures like Doumbè are setting TV sets alight. A fight at the Parc des Princes would be a powerful symbol, a way to mark the history of the sport in the country.

Doumbè, the master of words and KOs

Cédric Doumbè, nicknamed "The Best", is not just a fighter. He is a showman, a provocateur, an expert in the art of selling his fights. His confidence sometimes borders on arrogance, but he knows how to captivate.

"I can knock him out in the first round, but that's not what's going to happen," he announced. According to him, the pressure, the expectation, and the huge crowd will work against Baki. "I'm going to knock him out in the third round." A bold prophecy, but typical of Doumbè, who already seems to be playing the fight in his head.

Baki, the man in the shadows

In front of him, Baki remains discreet. This fighter of Chechen origin, less media-friendly but formidable in the cage, stands out as the antithesis of Doumbè. Their first confrontation revealed a duel of styles: explosiveness and technique against resilience and strategy.

For Baki, this rematch is more than just a fight. It's an opportunity to prove that his initial victory wasn't just a fluke.

This return match goes beyond the framework of sport. It illustrates the evolution of MMA in France, a sport that is still young but on the rise. A fight in a place like the Parc des Princes would mark a symbolic recognition for this discipline that has long been marginalized.

So what can we expect?