Cedric Doumbe says fight with Anthony Pettis is almost finalized

Cédric Doumbé, the former kickboxing champion turned MMA fighter, is already looking ahead to his next big challenge. After a freak TKO loss earlier this year due to a splinter in his foot, Doumbé is set to make his return to the cage this Friday at Bellator Paris, where he will face off against Jaleel Willis in the co-main event.

Despite Willis’ experience in MMA, Doumbé has his sights set on a bigger opponent: former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis. In a recent interview on The MMA Hour, Doumbé confidently stated that a fight with Pettis is “99 percent a done deal” if he secures a win against Willis. The matchup is expected to take place in Saudi Arabia, on pay-per-view, and under the PFL banner.

Pettis, who has had a mixed run in the PFL with just one win in five appearances, has also expressed his anticipation for the potential fight with Doumbé. He plans to be in attendance at Accor Arena for Doumbé’s fight against Willis and is likely to issue a challenge if Doumbé impresses.

Despite his recent setback, Doumbé remains unfazed and determined to continue his MMA journey. He humorously brushed off his loss to Baissangour Chamsoudinov, who declined a rematch, stating that Chamsoudinov is “running” from a second fight. Doumbé is now focused on the future and is eagerly looking forward to a showdown with Pettis, confident in his abilities to take on the former UFC champion.