The main card opens with a fascinating fight between veteran Patricio Pitbull and promotional newcomer Losene Keita.
After dominating multiple divisions in Bellator, Pitbull finally made his way into the Octagon earlier this year, dropping a decision to former interim champ Yair Rodriguez in his promotional debut at UFC 314 in Miami. He bounced back with a good win over game veteran Dan Ige in New Orleans, and now makes another quick turnaround to compete in Paris this weekend.
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A former two-division champion in the Oktagon MMA promotion, Keita is a 27-year-old standout with a 16-1 record, 10 finishes, and his lone loss coming as a result of an injury. He’s earned five straight wins, most recently having claimed the lightweight title with a stoppage win over Ronald Paradeiser, and will look to make a splash in his promotional debut on Saturday.
Pitbull is one of a trio of highly touted newcomers that faltered out of the gate, and now Keita will look to avoid the same fate as he squares off with the 38-year-old Brazilian this weekend. The winner should be looking at a Top 10 matchup next time out, so there are real stakes to consider as the main card kicks off with this compelling featherweight clash.