UFC Paris Thrills With Finishes, Retirements, and Rising Stars
Paris witnessed another unforgettable night of fights as the UFC returned for its fourth straight year at the Accor Arena. The card was stacked with drama, high-paced action, and emotional moments that had fans on their feet from start to finish.
One of the biggest highlights came when Modestas Bukauskas took on veteran Paul Craig. For much of the first round, Craig tried to slow things down in the clinch, but as the horn approached, Bukauskas found his opening. A crushing elbow landed flush, knocking Craig out just before the end of the round. With that, Bukauskas collected his fourth straight UFC win and continued to build momentum toward the light heavyweight rankings. But the real twist came after the fight—Paul Craig left his gloves in the Octagon, officially announcing his retirement. With a career that included wins over Magomed Ankalaev and Jamahal Hill, Craig left the sport at 37 years old with a record of 17-10-1 and one no contest.
Another wild bout unfolded when Mason Jones met Bolaji Oki. Early on, Jones looked in serious danger of being stopped. Oki rocked him and nearly had him finished. But Jones steadied himself, turned the tide, and in the second round, he took complete control. After throwing Oki with a huge toss, Jones worked from mount and unloaded with elbows until the referee stepped in. That marked Jones’ second straight UFC win since his return and extended his overall streak to six. At only 30 years old, it feels like Jones may finally be hitting his stride.
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Then came Axel Sola, a late replacement who turned his opportunity into gold. Against a gritty Rhys McKee, the Nice-born fighter started strong, slowed down a bit, then delivered a brutal left hook to the body in the third round. McKee folded, and the follow-up shots sealed the win. Sola, still unbeaten in 13 pro fights, now has a UFC stoppage on his record and looks like a name to watch going forward.
The card also saw William Gomis earn a hard-fought decision over Robert Ruchala. Using slick striking and body work, Gomis looked to be cruising until Ruchala nearly stole the momentum with a head kick late. But Gomis managed to steady the fight and claim a close decision, pushing his UFC record to 5-1.
In the co-main event, French contender Benoît Saint Denis faced Brazil’s rising star Mauricio Ruffy in a pivotal lightweight clash. Both fighters entered the Octagon with rankings and pride on the line, and the energy inside the arena was electric as they squared off.
Finally, the main event featured Nassourdine Imavov defending home soil against Brazil’s Caio Borralho. Two top-ranked middleweights went to war in front of a roaring Parisian crowd, capping off a night that truly delivered on every level.
From thunderous knockouts to heartfelt retirements and breakout performances, UFC Paris 2025 will be remembered as one of the year’s most thrilling fight nights.
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