Introduction to European MMA: France

Date submitted: 19 December 2006

Submitted by: Dino Fuoco

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Despite the fact that MMA is banned in France, the country breeds some of Europe’s top fighters.

Many highly skilled and world class Mixed Martial Artists have come from France and made it all the way to the world’s most prestigious stages.

The first was Gilles Arsene, who fought Kazushi Sakuraba at Pride 23: Championship Chaos 2. Arsene suffered a loss in that fight and abandoned competition shortly after. He was followed by Cyrille Diabate who represented France at Pride: Final Conflict 2006 Openweight. Diabate also fought several times in Pancrase. Gregory Bouchelaghem fought at Pride: Bushido 11 while Cheick Kongo has fought at UFC 61, 62, 64.

Cyrille Diabate is a noted striker having fought many times in K-1. Since branching out in to MMA he became a very well rounded and dangerous fighter with wins gained standing and on the ground.

Gregory Bouchelaghem is a young up and coming fighter who is also part of Cyrille Diabate’s Snake Team. He is known for always putting on a great fight for the crowd. His record is 5-4-0 but among his opponents you can find guys like Mark Weir, Andrei Semenov and Paulo Filho.

Cheick Kongo is a really powerful stand up fighter with a record full of impressive K.O victories. In the UFC he has a record of two wins and one loss (via split decision).

Other than the above mentioned, some of the other well known French fighters include Anthony Rea a Jungle Fight and Cage Rage veteran. Xavier Foupa Pokam who has fought on EVT and Cage Rage. Brothers James and Samy Schiavo, Jess Liaudin who now lives in the UK, the infamous Riccio Brothers and 2 Hot 2 Handle star Moise Rimbon.

All of these fighters have shown they are top Martial Artists and are putting France on the global MMA map.

As previously mentioned MMA is not allowed in France, so French MMA fighters have a double problem. Finding fights and getting to train properly.

Some of the best teams in France include Cyrille Diabate’s Snake Team in Paris, the French Top Team managed by Darragh Creamer and coached by the Schiavo’s. Anthony Rea and Kassim Annan represent BTT France in Tolouse. Plus there is Quoniam Gym where fighters such as Cheick Kongo are trained.

Behind the big names there are a consistent movement of fighters and teams who are maybe less known but are equally keen and able to show their skills leading to French fighters being probably the most requested in Europe.

Here is the contact info for some of the above mentioned teams:

French Top Team
Snake Team
BTT France