Featherweight
Magomed Abdulaev 3-0
Coming from Dagestan, Magomed Abdulaev first competed in wrestling and sambo in Russia before transitioning to MMA. In 2021, he launched his pro career at Colosseum MMA, securing a Round 1 TKO in just over a minute. After that, Abdulaev unfortunately disappeared from the radar for three years. During this period, he moved to France, where he trained notably at MMA Factory before joining the FFA under Mathieu Nicourt, the matchmaker for Hexagone MMA. It was in Hexagone that he made his comeback in 2024, scoring another TKO, this time in Round 2. In 2025, he competed at Dualis, where he once again claimed a Round 1 TKO victory.
His career has so far been marked by long periods of inactivity, which have cost him valuable time and prevented him from becoming well known among the French audience. This situation is unfortunate because of his wrestling level, placing him among the elite of his division. That, combined with devastating ground-and-pound, has allowed him to finish all his fights. Abdulaev clearly has what it takes to establish himself as one of the major names in the featherweight division in France.
Hopefully, in 2026, he’ll be active. I’d like to see him sign with a major organization such as Ares or Hexagone, or perhaps Striker, a rising promotion where he could become the face of the organization. At 27 years old, Magomed Abdulaev is entering his prime, and it would be a shame to waste his potential.
Arnaud Prigent 3-0
Arnaud Prigent is one of the most underrated fighters on the circuit. Completely flying under the radar, probably due to a lack of communication, he nevertheless has all the qualities that appeal to the French audience and allow for strong exposure.
First of all, Prigent has an extensive amateur career, with a record of 21–3 and a 3rd-place finish at IMMAF Europe. His amateur résumé is impressive; wins over Miro Honkanen (4–0 as a pro), Daniel Schordje (9–1 as a pro), Charlie Hatton (2–0 as a pro, 9–4 as an amateur), Mathis Duragrin (4–2 as a pro, 13–3 as an amateur), Walid Masmoudi (3–0 as a pro), Eddy Hourtal (16–4 as an amateur), and Ryan Balbali (2–0 as a pro). Despite this impressive résumé, he made his professional debut in near anonymity in 2024. Beyond his record, Prigent is a fighter who finishes his fights.
His strong wrestling, combined with heavy ground-and-pound and a solid submission ability, makes him a serious threat on the ground, and his first three opponents paid the price. He still lacks polished striking, which he will need to improve to reach the next level, but aside from that, Prigent has everything it takes to rise and become a major name in French MMA.
Hopefully, 2026 will be his breakout year. He should face tougher competition to continue his development and his climb toward a potential Hexagone title, which would definitely establish him with the general public.
Honorable mentions
- Souhil Kaouchen (2-0)
- Wael Kambouche (2-0)
- Benoit Prigent (2-0)
- Amin Bouazza (4-0)
- Anzor Baybatyrov (5-2)
- Malik Bendaho (2-1)
- Oussama Rahim (5-1)