Cedric Doumbe never got to make his highly anticipated UFC debut in 2022. Instead, he’ll next lace up the MMA gloves for the PFL.
Doumbe (4-0) has signed with the PFL, the promotion announced Wednesday. Doumbe posted on Twitter that his debut date with the promotion will be June 23 in Atlanta, though an opponent was not announced.
📅Next fight : JUNE 23
🔰Atlanta
🥊MMA – @PFLMMA
I’m here to take over ⚠️#doumbe #TheBest #KO1 pic.twitter.com/rnwwZ5b37S— Cédric Doumbè (@CedricDoumbe) May 10, 2023
Doumbe, a former Glory Kickboxing champion, was booked for a fight against Darian Weeks at the UFC’s Paris debut this past September, but was pulled from the bout when the commission in France wouldn’t sanction the fight due to the level of experience difference between the two.
Doumbe, a two-time Glory welterweight champ, transitioned to MMA in October 2021. Born in Cameroon, the French fighter has all four of his MMA wins by knockout. In kickboxing, Doumbe had 75 wins – including 45 by knockout.
“I am a unique fighter joining a unique organization in the PFL,” Doumbe said in a release. “I look forward to great success in the PFL.”
The PFL started its 2023 regular season in April with three events in Las Vegas. In June, the fighters’ second regular season bout will take place in Atlanta to set up qualification for the postseason.
PFL officials did not announce if Doumbe will be part of a future welterweight regular season, though that no doubt is the expectation.
“Cedric Doumbe is one of the greatest athletes in the world and a tremendous addition to the Professional Fighters League global roster,” PFL president Ray Sefo said in a release. “Cedric dominated the sport of kickboxing and is poised to do the same in MMA. He is one of the most talented fighters in the world and will make an immediate impact here in the PFL.”
