UFC Paris sets Parnasse vs Hooker main event for Sept 5

French-Moroccan mixed martial arts star Salahdine Parnasse has signed with the UFC and will make his promotional debut in a high-stakes main event against veteran contender Dan Hooker at UFC Paris on September 5. The fight, announced during a recent UFC broadcast, will take place at the Accor Arena in Paris.

Parnasse, a former two-division KSW champion with a professional record of 23-2, explained his decision to join the UFC now, citing the opportunity to headline a card in his home country against a top-ranked opponent. He said the UFC contacted him after his most recent victory, a first-round knockout of Kenneth Cross earlier this year, and presented a favorable deal. A victory over Hooker would immediately establish Parnasse as a ranked contender in the UFC's lightweight division.

The buildup to the fight has been marked by controversy, as Hooker has publicly alleged he is receiving a barrage of death threats from Parnasse's fans. In multiple interviews, Hooker stated the threats began after the fight announcement and have been more severe than any he experienced before his previous fight against French fighter Benoit Saint Denis. Hooker suggested the difference may stem...