Cedric Doumbe has emerged as one such luminary, aiming to follow in the footsteps of UFC icons like Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira, who transitioned from GLORY kickboxing to MMA with immense success. Cedric Doumbe’s recent performance in PFL Europe 3 left spectators awestruck. In a blink of an eye, he dispatched Jordan Zebo in just nine seconds during the main event.
Doumbe took the microphone and confronted his former coach, Fernand Lopez, who was in Zebo’s corner, about allegations of violence against women. Lopez openly admitted to serving a four-month sentence for domestic violence.
Cedric Doumbe has risen to MMA stardom turbulently, and an enigma involving the UFC has accentuated his rise. Six months ago, there were rumors that he had joined the UFC, and fans were looking forward to seeing him at UFC Paris: Gane vs. Tuivasa. The French MMA Federation stepped in, despite Doumbe’s considerable kickboxing background and over 80 professional fights, claiming his lack of pro-MMA experience.
By publishing an image that appeared to be a call from UFC CEO Dana White, Doumbe himself increased the anticipation. Fans were left waiting when he later denied the signing reports. Doumbe acknowledged the decision’s difficulty in a tweet, highlighting the significance of making the best decision at this crucial point in his professional life.
Cedric Doumbe said the UFC will regret not signing him
A month later, the MMA world learned that Doumbe had inked a deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). With one fight already under his belt in this new chapter, Doumbe is wasting no time in making his intentions clear. He has expressed his desire for a matchup against former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis, a fight that promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
Cedric Doumbe is a one-of-a-kind talent for the PFL, someone who not only performs in the ring but also has the personality to build intriguing stories around his battles. The PFL should carefully select his opponents in order to maximize his potential and audience pull. Doumbe’s recent victory over Zebo demonstrates his ability, and the organization should take advantage of this opportunity to showcase him against high-profile opponents.
The PFL currently faces a challenge in finding in-house opponents at 170 lbs for Doumbe. However, with the right investments and roster improvements, they can make the most of this rising star. Potential matchups with former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley or fighters like Michael Page and Douglas Lima from Bellator could further elevate Doumbe’s status.