Former KSW lightweight and featherweight champion Salahdine Parnasse made his North American debut as part of the MVP MMA main card in Los Angeles on Saturday, taking on Kenneth Cross.
Parnasse, who also challenged for welterweight gold in Poland’s KSW, has long been considered one of the best featherweights outside of the UFC. Cross had fought once for Bellator, and picked up a win on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2020, though he was not awarded a UFC contract.
In a performance many expected, Salahdine Parnasse got things started quickly, catching a kick from Kenneth Cross and whipping him to the mat for early ground-and-pound. Cross managed to escape the initial danger, returning to his feet and working in the clinch with Parnasse. However, it wasn’t long before Parnasse regained control, leading with his right jab before unleashing a series of hooks and overhands.
With around two minutes remaining in the opening round, Parnasse once again took Cross to the ground, smoothly transitioning to the back and flattening him out while landing grinding strikes. Showing pure determination and heart, Cross fought his way back to his feet for one final exchange with the French standout. But the difference in levels was clear, as Parnasse overwhelmed him with a beautiful volume of hooks to the body, crumpling Cross to the canvas for a first-round knockout.
With the victory, Parnasse moves to 23-2 as a professional, securing a meaningful finish that will likely keep him in the conversation as a future UFC roster addition.
Official Result: Salahdine Parnasse def. Kenneth Cross by TKO, Round 1, 4:18
