Bellator to hold first major MMA event in France, featuring Cheick Kongo, Michael Page

Bellator will become the first major MMA promotion to hold an event in France, as they visit the capital on October 10 to host Bellator Paris.

ESPN first reported the news, and the event will take place at the Accor Arena in Paris. It will feature 13-fights with three additional boxing bouts, with no more than 5,000 fans being allowed to attend the event.

After a long sanctioning battle, MMA was only recognised as a legal sport in France earlier this year following a decision from the French Boxing Federation and the support of the Minister of Sports for the country, Roxana Maracineanu.

“This is a monumental moment in the history of the sport, as well as our organization, and I am honored that Bellator will promote the very first MMA event in France by a major promotion,” said Bellator President Scott Coker in a statement.

In the main event of the card, Cheick Kongo will fight Timothy Johnson in a heavyweight rematch. The two first met in October 2018 when Kongo won by knockout in just over a minute. Exciting welterweight Michael “Venom” Page will fight the undefeated Ross Houston in the co-main event.

“Many people have worked tirelessly to bring this to fruition, and it would not have been possible without the support of the Minister of Sports, Roxana Maracineanu, as well as the French Kickboxing Federation sanctioning body,” Coker continued. “I would also like to thank Accor Arena, who have been an incredible venue partner, and I cannot wait for the French fans to be in attendance and join us live for what will be an unforgettable night of action in Paris on Oct 10.”