UFC Paris will keep its full fight card intact despite a last-minute withdrawal.
On Monday, Fares Ziam announced he must pull out from his lightweight clash with Kaue Fernandes. He cited the tragic passing of his grandmother as the reason. Ziam’s withdrawal left Fernandes’ status uncertain, sparking speculation about whether the Brazilian would remain on the card or be rebooked for a future event.
Fernandes Finds a New Opponent
Sources now confirm that Fernandes will stay on the UFC Paris card. Cage Warriors featherweight champion Harry Hardwick accepted a short-notice fight with just five days to prepare. Hardwick, known as “Houdini,” last fought at Cage Warriors 186 in March. He successfully defended his 145-pound title against Javier Garcia via technical decision.
Hardwick rides a nine-fight unbeaten streak and holds a professional record of 13 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw. He has secured seven victories by finish, demonstrating his knockout and submission skills.
Fernandes last fought at UFC London in March. He earned a unanimous decision win over Guram Kutateladze, extending his momentum inside the promotion. The 30-year-old Brazilian debuted at UFC São Paulo in November 2023, narrowly losing a split decision to Marc Diakiese. He currently carries a professional record of 10-2.
How Strong Is the UFC Paris Card?
UFC Paris takes place Saturday, September 6, at the Accor Arena in France. The card features 14 fights and showcases French talent throughout.
The main event highlights a high-stakes middleweight bout between Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho. This clash could have major implications for future title contention.
The co-main event features French fan favorite Benoît Saint Denis against rising lightweight prospect Mauricio Ruffy. Featherweight veteran Patricio Pitbull will face former two-division OKTAGON champion Losene Keita in a highly anticipated UFC debut.
Confirmed UFC Paris Lineup
- Middleweight: Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho
- Lightweight: Benoît Saint Denis vs. Mauricio Ruffy
- Lightweight: Bolaji Oki vs. Mason Jones
- Light heavyweight: Modestas Bukauskas vs. Paul Craig
- Featherweight: Patricio Pitbull vs. Losene Keita
- Lightweight: Kaue Fernandes vs. Harry Hardwick
- Featherweight: William Gomis vs. Robert Ruchala
- Light heavyweight: Oumar Sy vs. Brendson Ribeiro
- Heavyweight: Marcin Tybura vs. Ante Delija
- Welterweight: Rhys McKee vs. Axel Sola
- Welterweight: Sam Patterson vs. Trey Waters
- Middleweight: Brad Tavares vs. Robert Bryczek
- Welterweight: Andreas Gustafsson vs. Rinat Fakhretdinov
- Strawweight: Shauna Bannon vs. Sam Hughes
UFC Paris promises thrilling matchups and showcases some of the sport’s rising stars. Fernandes’ bout now carries extra intrigue with Hardwick stepping in on short notice.
