Salahdine Parnasse (left) defeats Dan Hooker (right) at UFC Paris . Photo: Reproduction / UFC
Salahdine Parnasse knocked out Dan Hooker in the first round of the main event at UFC Paris , last Saturday (5), and confirmed expectations surrounding his debut in the organization. Treated as the 'Mbappé of MMA' because of his talent and rise in the sport, the Frenchman drew attention by achieving an impressive result in his first appearance in the octagon.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani's YouTube channel, this Tuesday (8), Parnasse spoke about the moment he is experiencing in his career and assessed his preparation after arriving at the UFC surrounded by expectations. The fighter also recalled part of the trajectory built before landing in the main MMA organization in the world.
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“I really think I’m ready. I’ve been training for a long time, since I was 11 years old, for this. I’m very prepared. In KSW, I had three fights before competing for the belt, against big names in KSW. I had great fights. In the UFC, I don’t know what will happen, but I challenged Max Holloway . I really hope he accepts,” said Salahdine Parnasse.
With his victory over Dan Hooker , Parnasse now turns his attention to the next stage of his UFC career. The Frenchman has already indicated his interest in facing Holloway, former featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg), in a potential high-level duel in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg).
Parnasse's career in MMA
At 28 years old, Salahdine Parnasse is considered one of the leading names in European MMA and one of the standouts of the sport's new generation. A professional since 2015, the Frenchman has a record of 24 wins and two losses, with nine victories by knockout and seven by submission.
FIGHT VIDEO: Watch Parnasse's spectacular knockout at UFC Paris
WORLD CLASS. 🌎
Salahdine Parnasse made a STATEMENT by winning the TKO over Dan Hooker!
[ #UFCParis | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/DmTWeAAQMH
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) September 5, 2026
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