The biggest UFC debut of the year (at least until Usman Nurmagomedov arrives, and assuming he doesn’t wait until 2027) arrived on Saturday, as Salahdine Parnasse headlined UFC Paris opposite Dan Hooker.
Getting to debut at home was the icing on top for France’s Parnasse, a former KSW double-champ who is still early in his prime at age 28. Big things are expected of “Lion of Atlas,” and drawing “The Hangman” as his first opponent, in a main event, underscored just how the promotion views him. Hooker himself was no stranger to such a scenario, having been the first UFC foe for Bellator star Michael Chandler back in 2021.
The main event started with Hooker taking the center of the cage and letting his kicks go. Parnasse was fighting composed, using footwork and chipping away with leg kicks. Hooker was much busier with the kicks, but Parnasse was checking each and every one of them. Parnasse was showing a big speed advantage but did whiff on a big hook. He quickly regained his position and fired a nasty left kick to the body. That visibly hurt Hooker, who winced in pain. Parnasse then glanced a head kick off the top of the head and a left hook on the jaw. That dropped Hooker and the extra shots sent the ref in.
“I’m the best fighter in the world,” Parnasse said following the fight. Saying he wants a top five opponent next, the French star added that “my dream fight is Max Holloway.”
Official Result: Salahdine Parnasse def. Dan Hooker via TKO (body kick and punches), Round 1, 2:35
