UFC Paris Full Card Breakdown & Picks

Overview

A stacked fight night card with some real underdog opportunities. Here’s the full breakdown of UFC Paris, every matchup, every angle, and where the value lies 👇

Shauna Bannon vs Sam Hughes

This is your classic low-level WMMA scrap. Bannon may be the more technical striker on paper, but Hughes is built for these kinds of fights. She’ll pressure for 15 minutes, force Bannon on the back foot, and outwork her with volume and grit. Bannon doesn’t have the tools to manage distance for three rounds. Hughes should get it done by decision.

Pick: Sam Hughes

Rinat Fakhretdinov vs Andreas Gustafsson

Andreas impressed in his debut against Khaos Williams. Rinat has strong wrestling but has looked flat lately and tends to gas when he can’t dominate positionally. Gustafsson will welcome the clinch and force Rinat to work. This will be close, but I’m siding with the dog to win a hard-fought decision.

Pick: Andreas Gustafsson

Brad Tavares vs Robert Bryczek

Tavares is just the more well-rounded and experienced fighter. He should be able to outpoint Robert over three rounds. That said, his chin is a real concern and Bryczek can crack. The path is clear, if Tavares avoids the kill shot, he wins this one on the cards.

Pick: Brad Tavares

Sam Patterson vs Trey Waters

This is one of the tighter matchups on the card. Patterson has more finishing upside and looks like he’s settling into welterweight well. Waters will be big for the weight class, but he's also a bit inactive and hittable. Patterson has the edge on the ground and should win a decision here if he avoids the big shot.

Pick: Sam Patterson

Axel Sola vs Rhys McKee

McKee might not have the prettiest UFC record, but he’s faced far tougher competition than Axel Sola. Rhys has serious striking ability and should control the tempo early. Sola may have moments late but I think Rhys takes the first two rounds and wins on the cards.

Pick: Rhys McKee

Marcin Tybura vs Ante Delija

We’ve seen this before. PFL heavyweight making a debut against a durable UFC vet. Tybura’s ability to slow fights down and manage pace should serve him well. Delija is dangerous early, but Tybura should be able to avoid the big shots and edge out a decision. Solid value play.

Pick: Marcin Tybura

Oumar Sy vs Brendson Ribeiro

Sy burned a lot of people last time out, but this is a bounce-back spot. Ribeiro is explosive but has durability concerns and fades fast. Oumar’s wrestling and size should allow him to neutralize danger and rack up control time. Not a lock, but I’m giving Sy another shot here.

Pick: Oumar Sy

William Gomis vs Robert Ruchala

Gomis is frustrating to watch but effective. He’s got movement, decent striking, and sneaky grappling. Ruchala is a beatable debut opponent and Gomis should be able to win a slow-paced hometown decision. Not the most exciting pick, but a safe one.

Pick: William Gomis

Patricio Pitbull vs Losene Keita

Keita’s got the speed and youth advantage, but Pitbull is a vet for a reason. If this fight hits the mat, Pitbull has a massive edge. I see him timing a scramble, getting the back, and locking up the sub. Craft beats chaos here.

Pick: Patricio Pitbull

Fares Ziam vs Kaue Fernandes

Both guys are solid prospects, but Ziam has more tools. He’ll be able to match Kaue on the feet and has the grappling edge. With the French crowd behind him and more momentum on his side, I expect Ziam to mix it up and take a clear win.

Pick: Fares Ziam

Modestas Bukauskas vs Paul Craig

Paul Craig is always dangerous but extremely one-dimensional. He needs to pull guard and hope for a miracle. Bukauskas is a strong striker with the takedown defense to keep it standing. I think Modestas clips Craig and finishes this one by KO.

Pick: Modestas Bukauskas

Bolaji Oki vs Mason Jones

This one should be fireworks. Oki is athletic and powerful, but Jones is cleaner and more well-rounded. What separates them is Mason’s wrestling. He’ll use that pressure and mix in takedowns to drain Oki’s power. Jones gets it done.

Pick: Mason Jones

Benoit Saint-Denis vs Mauricio Ruffy

BSD’s hype train got derailed fast. Ruffy is a sharp sniper who can exploit openings when pressured. I think Benoit wins minutes early, but Ruffy finds his shot. I’m taking the fighting nerd to score a momentum-shifting finish.

Pick: Mauricio Ruffy

Nassourdine Imavov vs Caio Borralho

Great matchup. Caio has better grappling, but Imavov is far more dangerous on the feet. This will likely be a close decision, but I think Imavov finds the range, defends enough takedowns, and keeps it standing long enough to edge it out. Give me Imavov in a tight one.

Pick: Nassourdine Imavov

Final Thoughts

UFC Paris is stacked for a Fight Night. A few debuting fighters could shake things up and we’ve got several coin-flip matchups. Don’t go overboard betting this one, but there’s value to be had, especially on experienced vets and well-rounded grinders. Enjoy the card and drop your picks in the Discord 🧨