World-Class Kickboxer Joins Forces with Major UFC Rival

The bar has been raised by this landmark deal.

Glory Kickboxing

Cedric Doumbé has signed with Professional Fighters League (PFL). PFL announced the signing of the French champion kickboxer on May 10 via Twitter.

- 2x Glory Kickboxing Welterweight Champion
- 2016 A1 WGP Final Tournament Champion
- World Kickboxing Association World Champion

"The Best" 𝗛𝗔𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗗. Welcome to the Professional Fighters League @CedricDoumbe pic.twitter.com/MuStGGGyNR

— PFL (@PFLMMA) May 10, 2023

Doumbé, a former two-time Glory welterweight champion, was formerly signed with the UFC and was scheduled to face Darian Weeks on September 3, 2022. He was released from the roster after the French MMA Federation wouldn't sanction the bout.

Doumbé shot down rumors about being re-signed with the UFC back in April 2023:

J’ai jamais dit que j’avais signé à UFC.
J’ai dit dit que le contrat avait été signé (avant #ufcParis) et que tant que je n’ai pas combattu je ne suis pas officiellement à lUFC donc je peux négocier avec d’autres grosses organisations.
Il faut bien écouter quand je parle.
#📐💀

— Cédric Doumbè (@CedricDoumbe) April 2, 2023

"I never said I signed to UFC. I said that the contract was signed (before UFC Paris) and that until I fight I'm not officially in the UFC so I can negotiate with other big organizations. You have to listen when I speak."

Cedric Doumbé Confirms PFL Signing, Announces First Fight Date

Doumbé announced his first fight date as June 23 this year, via his Instagram. "The Best" doesn't have a confirmed opponent as of yet.

Cedric Doumbé's MMA Background

Doumbé has a professional kickboxing record of 83 wins, seven losses and one draw, with notable victories over Nieky Holzken, Harut Grigorian, Jimmy Vienot, and Murthel Groenhart.

"The Best" debuted in MMA in 2021, and strung together four straight victories, all by way of TKO. Doumbé was scheduled to face Weeks at UFC Paris on September 3, 2022, but was subsequently removed after the French MMA Federation found the fight in violation of the commission's rules.

Doumbé fights out of The MMA Factory in France, the same gym which harbors fighters like Ciryl Gane and Nassourdine Imavov, and which trained Francis Ngannou. Doumbé can even be seen sparring with these fighters on YouTube.

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