A pair of debuting flyweights faced off on the UFC Paris preliminary card on Saturday, with Michael Aljarouj getting home-field advantage over Fabia Sintes.
France’s Aljarouj had won regional titles in multiple promotions prior to his arrival in the UFC on Saturday, though his last fight had come under scrutiny. Originally a loss to Romero dos Reis in April 2025 that cost Aljarouj his Hexagone MMA flyweight title, the result was overturned to a No Contest due to an “officiating error,” but dos Reis disputed the decision.
As for Sintes, the Spanish fighter had won seven straight.
The first action of the fight came from Aljarouj, who landed two heavy outside leg kicks. He was using his footwork well early, maintaining range and working with his kicks. Sintes timed a nice takedown, but Aljarouj was able to elevate and explode back to his feet. Aljarouj continued to pressure while Sintes moved laterally before shooting on another takedown. Aljarouj defended well, but Sintes stayed persistent with the cage wrestling. Aljarouj eventually reversed position and changed levels himself. Sintes defended perfectly, though he ended the round with his back against the cage.
In round two, both guys went back to trading kicks, as neither was having much success finding range with their hands. Aljarouj shot for a takedown, but Sintes sprawled. They clinched up about a minute into the round, with Sintes attempting another takedown that Aljarouj defended. Sintes still pushed him against the cage, but Aljarouj quickly reversed before they separated. Back in space, Sintes landed a good left hand into a single leg, this time establishing top position away from the cage. Aljarouj did a good job creating space but couldn’t find enough to get back up. Sintes briefly took mount and landed some heavy ground-and-pound. Aljarouj regained half guard, but Sintes continued landing brutal elbows before attacking a mounted guillotine. The bell likely saved the Frenchman.
It was likely a round apiece heading into the final five minutes. Seconds into the third, Sintes got in on a single leg and dumped Aljarouj to the mat. Aljarouj tried using a leg lock to create a scramble, but Sintes was too fresh and aware. Aljarouj stayed active off his back, constantly looking for ways to get up, but Sintes was heavy on top, landing elbows and threatening chokes. He locked up a D’Arce at one point but seemed hesitant to commit by going to his back, allowing Aljarouj to explode and eventually find top position. Aljarouj got there with a little over a minute remaining and needed a huge final sixty seconds. He stayed on top for the rest of the fight, but he did very little damage and never advanced out of full guard.
Official Result: Fabia Sintes def. Michael Aljarouj by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)
