3 – Cedric Doumbé VS Baysangur ‘Baki’ Chamsoudinov
It’s impossible to overstate the star power of Cedric Doumbé. A man whose larger-than-life persona is only overshadowed by the thunder which lies in his fists, Doumbé has taken the world by storm. Last we saw him, he announced his presence with a nine-second knockout in a moment already etched in the annals of history. It drew the attention of the masses and the eyes of the world’s biggest stars, like Kylian Mbappe. Yet even though he lit the world ablaze, many questions surrounding Doumbé remain unanswered. But like any great star, he looks to waste no time in answering them.
Doumbé’s dance partner, Baysangur ‘Baki’ Chamsoudinov, is a monster in his own right. While not a star the caliber of his brash opponent, Baki has proven himself to be one of MMA’s most luminous talents. At only twenty-two years old, Baki has already garnered a fearsome reputation. In his seven pro bouts, he has not just won them all, he has done it without facing a shred of adversity. A domineering wrestler with egregious athleticism, Baki’s primary skillset spells great danger for the kickboxing icon across the cage from him. His style has earned comparisons to Georges St-Pierre, and his potential reaches similar heights.
While it may not seem like a huge deal in the United States, this fight has captivated the entirety of France. Doumbé has become the most popular combat athlete in the nation by a wide margin. Yet his fearlessness may be his undoing. To overlook Baki is a grave mistake, I personally have him as the world’s top prospect, regardless of division. Doumbé defeating an awful style matchup would not only cement him as the biggest star outside of the UFC, it would leave him on equal ground with any athlete the MMA leader has to offer. On the other hand, Baki defeating Doumbé would mark the ascension of a future all-time great. It would give him a level of attention that his talent deserves and would prove no one in his immediate vicinity can trouble him. Two fighters who have never seen defeat in an MMA cage coming head to head with the love of an entire country on the line. The question isn’t whether you should watch it or not, it’s can you afford to miss it?
–Zach Harkness
