Lyon, France – Patrick Habirora, the 24-year-old Belgian phenom, made a resounding statement in his welterweight debut at PFL Lyon, securing a first-round knockout victory over experienced French fighter Kevin Jousset. The highly anticipated bout, held on Saturday night, saw Habirora extend his undefeated professional record to 8-0, with seven of those wins coming by way of knockout.
Habirora’s Spectacular Welterweight Debut
Habirora (1.85m, 77kg), known for his energetic entrances, lived up to his “Belgian Bomber” moniker. From the outset, he displayed superior mobility and precision, dictating the pace of the fight. After a brief feeling-out period, Habirora capitalized on a misplaced low kick from Jousset, unleashing a powerful left hand that sent his opponent to the canvas. The subsequent ground and pound was swift and brutal, forcing the referee to intervene and stop the fight.
The Undefeated Streak Continues
This victory marks Habirora’s sixth first-round knockout, solidifying his position as a formidable force in the welterweight division. Despite facing a seasoned opponent in Jousset (32 years old, 1.88m, 77kg, 10-5), a former UFC fighter and training partner of Israel Adesanya, Habirora demonstrated his readiness for the next level. Jousset, who had aimed to “extinguish the hype” surrounding the young Belgian, suffered his third consecutive defeat, a significant setback for his career.
Other Highlights from PFL Lyon
The PFL Lyon event also witnessed other significant outcomes. Baris Adiguzel was crowned the PFL bantamweight champion with a first-round knockout victory, signaling his emergence as a talent to watch in the French MMA scene. In a hard-fought contest, Taylor Lapilus emerged victorious against England’s Yann Gittins. Lapilus, under constant pressure, matched Gittins’ intensity to secure a unanimous decision win after a grueling battle.
Impact on the Welterweight Division
Habirora’s dominant performance immediately positions him as a strong contender in the welterweight division. Following his victory, he openly called for a shot at the welterweight belt, a testament to his confidence and ambition. His successful transition to a new weight class, coupled with his impressive knockout power, suggests a bright future for the young Belgian fighter.
The event, held in Lyon, attracted a passionate crowd, further establishing the city as a burgeoning hub for mixed martial arts. The PFL’s second visit to Lyon proved to be a night of thrilling action and significant career developments for several fighters.
Source: https://www.lequipe.fr/Mma/Actualites/Patrick-habirora-met-k-o-kevin-jousset-au-pfl-lyon-et-frappe-fort-pour-sa-premiere-chez-les-welters/1616831
