UFC Paris predictions

Salahdine Parnasse arrives at UFC Paris with high expectations in his long-awaited Octagon debut. The former KSW champion at lightweight and featherweight faces Dan Hooker—a seasoned veteran ranked above him—in Saturday's main event at Accor Arena in Paris. Despite Hooker's ranking and experience, Parnasse brings elite athleticism, quick-strike power, and ground control that could trouble the New Zealand veteran, who appears vulnerable to ending a three-fight skid and potentially moving toward the end of his career at 40 pro bouts. Parnasse's combination of striking precision, counter-striking ability, and relentless wrestling on the back could overwhelm Hooker if he avoids a dogfight.

The main card features several other significant bouts. Lightweight countrymen Fares Ziam and Axel Sola meet in a high-stakes French duel, with Ziam attempting to rebound from a six-fight win streak snapped by prospect Tom Nolan. Michael Page returns at middleweight after a disappointing 170-pound outing, facing Nursulton Ruziboev—a matchup that appears to mark Page's final contracted UFC appearance. The Ultimate Fighter 33 winner Daniil Donchenko takes on streaking welterweight Punahele Soriano, who has rattled off four straight wins including a 31-second knockout. Meanwhile, UFC newcomers Kurtis Campbell and Losene Keita seek redemption from unsuccessful debuts against Trevor Peek and Muhammad Naimov, respectively.

UFC Paris takes place Saturday, September 4 at Accor Arena. The preliminary card (eight fights) begins at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the six-fight main card at 3 p.m. ET also on ESPN+.