Lightweight
Walid Masmoudi 3-0
Walid Masmoudi is the new lightweight sensation at ARES. At just 24 years old, and after a solid amateur career (5–2), the Frenchman has broken through this year in ARES. Coming from Atch Academy, Masmoudi is one of Salahdine Parnasse’s sparring partners, allowing him to train daily with the European elite in his weight class.
After a strong start to his professional career in Belgium and a TKO victory at Rising Star earlier this year, he signed with ARES and made his organizational debut in June. Standing across from him was his first real career test, Jonathan Garcia. Despite the step up in competition, Masmoudi dominated and finished the bout in Round 2 with a beautiful uppercut. He then followed up against the durable Hamza Saadi (2–0) and once again showcased his superiority, finishing the fight in Round 3 via TKO.
An explosive fighter with solid boxing, Masmoudi is dangerous on the feet and knows how to hurt his opponents. A good wrestler, his striking-to-wrestling transitions are excellent, and this is one of his key strengths that allows him to dominate his opponents. Once the fight hits the ground, his strong ground-and-pound enables him to finish opponents, as shown by his three professional finishes.
In 2026, Masmoudi should continue to gain experience in ARES by facing higher-level competition. I would like to see him fight Modibo Diakité, another French lightweight prospect in ARES, in a matchup that would determine who is next in line to move toward a title shot.
Owen Jason 5-0
Owen Jason first made a name for himself on the French amateur circuit, where he racked up strong results. Having started MMA at the age of 16 and built up significant experience in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Jason was a closely watched prospect. With a solid 15–4 amateur record and strong performances at the 2023 IMMAF World Championships, Owen Jason confirmed that he had real talent and that he would be one to watch when turning professional.
He made the transition to the pro ranks in 2024 and immediately stood out. With three first-round knockouts at Hexagone for his first three fights, Jason lived up to the expectations surrounding him. He caught the attention of the general public thanks to two spectacular knockouts via clinch knees, one of his deadliest weapons. After these explosive beginnings, his next two fights were somewhat more disappointing. Despite two victories, he showed some defensive weaknesses, a slight lack of aggressiveness in his striking when trying to finish the fight, and a tendency to get hit. Despite this, Owen Jason remains one of the biggest French lightweight prospects.
His distance management, combined with his footwork and tall frame, makes him a serious threat on the feet, and he also appears comfortable and dangerous off his back, which helps compensate for a wrestling defense that still needs improvement.
While 2026 is shaping up to be a strong year for Hexagone lightweights with the launch of the €100K tournament, Jason will unfortunately not be part of it, which comes as a disappointment for the fans. Indeed, as he is still a student, he has chosen to focus on his studies and not take part in a tournament where the level would be too high to perform if he is not at 100%. As a result, 2026 should be a year for him to continue to harden himself and gain experience by facing stronger and more seasoned opponents.
Honorable mentions:
- Theo Ulrich (6-0)
- Modibo Diakité (3-0)
- Sofiane El Fatni (3-0)
- Eren Agbo (5-0)
- Nikita Leshukov (8-0)
- Turpal Younousov (5-1)
- TĂ©o Roussy (1-0)
- Axel Jean Alphonse (1-0)
- Jimmy Viennot (2-0)
- Salvatore Giudice (2-0)