Salahdine Parnasse got a main event on debut and needed less than three minutes of it.
The Frenchman stopped Dan Hooker at 2:35 of the first round at UFC Paris, dropping him with a body kick and finishing with punches. Dana White was not there, but gave his verdict after DWCS 91.
Incredible. He was the third-biggest debut on social media that we’ve ever had. Right behind Paddy Pimblett and Raul Rosas Jr.
Parnasse arrived with a reputation. He is a former two-division KSW champion, 24-2 overall, and had long been rated among the best fighters outside the UFC. Headlining a debut card is rare enough on its own, and he did it at home.
His callout was bolder than the win.
I want to fight Max Holloway because he’s a legend. This is not trash talking, this is just a dream that I’ve had for a long time, and out of respect, I really want to face a legend like Max.
White liked the ambition.
The crowd was incredible, the fight was great, and calling out Max Holloway is pretty crazy. The fact that that guy wants to fight Max Holloway right now is impressive. I like it.
Holloway is ranked fourth at lightweight and has options. He beat Conor McGregor at UFC 329 in July when McGregor’s knee gave out in the opening seconds, and he is one of the names in the queue behind Justin Gaethje, who is not expected back until 2027.
Parnasse has won six in a row and is 11-1 in his last 12.
