“I Could Knock Them Out”: Days After His Viral 9-Second KO Took Over the Internet, PFL Fighter Calls for a “Super Fight” Against Nick Diaz and Jorge Masvidal

Cedric Doumbe, the former Glory kickboxing champion from France, burst onto the MMA scene in a jaw-dropping fashion. In his recent PFL debut, he left spectators in awe with a blistering knockout of Jordan Zebo that lasted a mere 9 seconds! Doumbe’s thunderous left hook sent Zebo crashing to the canvas, and the MMA world couldn’t stop talking about it.

Initially set to join the UFC, the 31-year-old fighter found himself on a different path when the deal fell through. But his viral knockout convinced him that he’s more than capable of taking on UFC stars and is now eager to prove himself on the biggest stage.

Cedric Doumbe believes that UFC fans have no idea how good he is

Cedric Doumbe’s journey took an unexpected turn when he was originally signed by the UFC last year. However, complications with the French Athletic Commission led to the cancellation of his debut bout, and subsequently, he was released from the organization. Determined to make his mark, he inked a deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). But it looks like all hope is not lost for Doumbe-UFC fans.

In an interview on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Doumbe expressed his aspirations, saying, “I wanna make big fights, you know, like big superfight, facing big guys like (Jorge) Masvidal, Nick Diaz, or Anthony Pettis. I wanna fight these kind of guys. I could knock them out, and I know I am better than them. So, I just wanna prove to show to the world who I am.”

Doumbe didn’t hold back his thoughts about the UFC either. He firmly believes that they made a mistake by not signing him, stating, “We’re changing something, we’re doing something great. So I didn’t even think about them. They’re doing their thing, I’m doing my thing, I think I’m the best, they lost something. Now, PFL earned something. So, it is what it is. Of course, they regret releasing me, for sure.”

Read More: Massive Update Concerning UFC CEO Dana White’s Closest Competitors Revealed After PFL Gets $100M Investment to Buy Bellator MMA

While fighters like Jorge Masvidal and Nick Diaz haven’t shown interest in competing in the PFL yet, Anthony Pettis, a former UFC lightweight champion, quickly responded to Doumbé’s challenge.

Anthony Pettis is game for anything

Pettis, who joined the PFL in 2021, is no stranger to the spotlight. He once held the UFC lightweight title and defended it before facing a setback in his career. He is most famous for his ‘Showtime’ kick against Benson Henderson, where he ran across the wall of the cage before jumping off and kicking Henderson in the face!

Although Pettis suffered a couple of losses recently, including one against Stevie Ray, he rebounded with a victory in his boxing debut against Roy Jones Jr. The PFL is gearing up for an exciting 2024, with fighters like Francis Ngannou and Jake Paul set to make their debuts. A matchup between Cerdic Doumbé, a former kickboxing champion, and Pettis, a former UFC champion, could potentially headline a huge event for the promotion.

In conclusion, Cedric Doumbe’s spectacular MMA debut has made him a force to be reckoned with in the PFL. With his sights set on taking on big names and proving his worth, Doumbe’s journey in the MMA world is just beginning, and the potential clash with Anthony Pettis promises to be a marquee event for the PFL in 2024.

Do you think the UFC should have kept Doumbe on the roster? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Watch This Story: Joe Rogan Reveals How He Selects His Guests