A packed Bercy, committed to the cause of Cédric Doumbé. In two months, the enthusiasm around the fighter has gone completely. From boos to outpourings of joy, there is only one step. Yet Cédric Doumbé still retains criticism around his last fight across the throat.
“After my last fight, I was angry, I was upset. Not against the public because I expect to be dismissed, the fighter pointed out at a press conference. I said to myself, with everything I do for MMA in France, this is how I am thanked? So, I sulked. I did not communicate. The enthusiasm was therefore different. Cédric Doumbé still has his hype, we saw it this evening. »
In front of an audience committed to his cause, Doumbé only, according to him, followed the strategic plan he had in mind. “As I said, I wanted to knock him out. I knew if I touched him once, he was dead. He came with a plan, I respect that. But I am The Best,” smiles the Franco-Cameroonian.
The best, who faltered in the middle of the first round. Would Jaleel Willis have found the opening to hit Doumbé? “No, I wasn’t hit. I slipped, he wants to correct. I fell but slipped. We’ll look at the VAR, I didn’t take any blows. If I’m touched, I say so. »
However, Cédric Doumbé concedes a slight disillusionment this evening. ” I’m a little disappointed. I told myself I could have done better, made him sleep completely. I would also have liked to go a little more to the ground. At one point, I could have finalized him on the ground by attempting a submission but he got up. »
Once the fight was over, Doumbé found his next opponent, who had made the trip tonight: former UFC fighter Anthony Pettis. The latter, impressed by the Accor Arena, expressed his wish to fight in Paris. “Being the best, it’s the others who come to get me,” Doumbé smiled at a press conference. Anthony Pettis asked for this to happen in France. We are going to push to export. » A desire also expressed by PFL programmer Dan Hardy at a press conference. “I want to see Doumbé outside of his comfort zone, outside of Paris. »
Because since signing with the PFL, Cédric Doumbé has fought three times on French territory and twice against French fighters. “When we signed with the PFL, we wanted to go to the United States to conquer a new audience,” points out Doumbé, biding his time. Basically, the fight was scheduled for September (in an event outside France). He saw the potato from Cameroon he said December. If it happens in Paris, it’s even better. » Cédric Doumbé has no choice. To carry out his plan, he must beat Anthony Pettis regardless of location.