Parnasse makes UFC debut against Hooker at Paris event

French-Moroccan fighter Salahdine Parnasse will make his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut in the main event of UFC Paris on Saturday, September 5, facing veteran Dan Hooker in a lightweight bout at the Accor Arena. The event marks a significant homecoming for Parnasse, a former two-division champion in the KSW promotion, who enters the Octagon with considerable hype and a five-fight winning streak. Parnasse, 28, expressed confidence in the stylistic matchup during media day, stating that Hooker's aggressive approach makes him an ideal opponent. "Dan Hooker is very strong, very experienced. That's why he is at the top of the UFC and I think he is a big challenge and I love this challenge," Parnasse said. "I think he is a very explosive guy who likes to do a lot in his fights. And I think that with me, it's a perfect fight because we are both two guys who like to go out there and put on a great show in the cage." Parnasse indicated he feels the timing is right to begin climbing the lightweight rankings, noting the division is currently "very, very packed and very good.