Paris, France – Opponent changes aren’t a rare thing in combat sports, but when you get an opponent change and you’re the one making your UFC debut it’s a bit different which is the story for Yanis Ghemmouri who takes on William Gomis at UFC Paris on Saturday.
“I actually found out yesterday on the train when I was coming over here. I took it the way I had to. I think it’s good news in the sense that William can fight. Taylor (Lapilus) can fight my initial opponent. I can fight. At the end of the day it’s best for everyone really,” Ghemmouri told reporters including Cageside Press through a translator on Wednesday.
Ghemmouri (12-1) was initially set to take on fellow newcomer Caolan Loughran, but the opponent shuffle set him up with Gomis. Gomis is a different opponent with actual UFC experience having had two fights in the promotion which he won.
“To be honest what annoys me the most is that it’s a French v French fight. Obviously my preparation has to completely change. We’ve have to adapt everything. We’ll do what we can on Saturday,” he said.
“What will happen, will happen, really.”
The opponent change is more than an inconvenience
“I was in the train and I was on my trip to Paris. I was receiving photographs that Taylor was getting my opponent and I had a new opponent and I was fighting against William. I didn’t really believe it in the beginning. I thought it was all a bit of fake news,” said Ghemmouri.
“They can expect a really passionate fight. I’m always in to give my best, and I do give my best. What’s for sure is I’m not going to disappoint them.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Yanis Ghemmouri above. He takes on William Gomis at UFC Paris on Saturday.
