Bantamweight
Zakaria Hamou 4-0
From a young age, Zakaria Hamou has been immersed in combat sports. Coming from a family that practices sanda, he quickly took up the discipline and reached a high level. He competed at the Sanda World Championships before turning pro in MMA. Since Sanda is a sport closely related to MMA, he already had a solid foundation before beginning his transition. He started at the Atch Academy, where he served as one of Salahdine Parnasse’s sparring partners, an experience that allowed him to witness the very highest level. He also trained in grappling to become as complete a fighter as possible.
His transition to MMA proved successful, as Zakaria built a solid amateur career with a 4–2 record, to which must be added his extensive experience in sanda. As a sparring partner of Parnasse and part of the same management team as Nassourdine Imavov, his professional debut was highly anticipated by the French audience.
After a closely contested first fight against Alikhan Khatiev, during which he seemed a bit stiff, the Hamou machine really got going with two first-round finishes. A magnificent KO at KSW and a rear-naked choke at Hexagone. In 2025, he fought only once, earning a TKO victory over the experienced Hudson Melo (7–7). This year was more devoted to training camps in Georgia and Sweden for him.
Over four fights, Hamou has shown excellent striking, with fast and precise boxing, counter-timing, and devastating low/calf and middle kicks. Caution regarding his striking defense, as he sometimes tends to absorb shots. He has also shown solid wrestling skills, good ground-and-pound, and the ability to submit opponents. Hamou is a complete fighter, dangerous in all areas—especially in striking—and he has everything it takes to become a big name on the French circuit.Â
We recently learned that Hamou signed with ARES, in a division stacked with talent, where he will have to earn his place. In 2026, he will need to prove that he belongs among the French elite by delivering strong performances in ARES—possibly even chasing a title if the reigning champion leaves for the UFC.
Paul Dena 2-0
Paul Dena has only two professional fights, yet he has already made history in French MMA. Unknown and just another amateur fighter among many, his appearance on the fighting show hosted by YouTuber YFC. He became known by defeating two Chechen fighters he had previously clashed with, catapulting him into the spotlight and turning him into a star in the eyes of the general public.
While he was an amateur, he became one of the biggest stars in French MMA, with hundreds of thousands of followers on social media and amateur fights that drew more attention than 90% of the French pro circuit. Alongside the hype came results: a French championship title, a third-place finish at IMMAF Europe, and victories over Alex Andrews and Amine Jmel. This hype and these strong results led every major organization to want to sign Paul Dena. In the end, Hexagone landed the jackpot. For his final amateur bout, Dena faced Alan Landouzy, one of the biggest phenoms in French amateur MMA, in one of the most hyped fights of 2025 in France. After an impressive victory, his move to the professional ranks was announced and eagerly awaited by the fans.
Two wins, two knockouts, and two solid performances that confirmed Dena doesn’t just have followers, but real talent as well. A well-rounded fighter, particularly with sharp striking and a strong ability to finish and put on a show, Dena has everything it takes to become an even bigger star in French MMA. Hexagone clearly understands this. Dena has already headlined Hexagone 34 and will do so again at Hexagone 37 against Paulo Santos (2–2).
Paul Dena is firmly in the spotlight—now the question is whether he can handle the hype and the pressure surrounding his name. 2026 should be a transitional year for Dena, one in which he continues to grow and gain experience before going after a title in 2027.
Honorable mentions:
- Corentin Roux (1-0)
- Youssouf Binaté (6-1)
- Youssouf Ouatara (3-1)
- Alison Silva (3-0)
- Rayan Balbali (2-0)