Sept. 3, 2022 MMA History: UFC's Paris debut with Gane-Tuivasa banger

The UFC is back in Paris this week for the fifth time for what now is an annual September tradition.

But the journey to MMA in France was a long one, and for the UFC, it didn't start until four years ago on Sept. 3, 2022. At that UFC debut at Accor Arena in Paris, French heavyweight star Ciryl Gane put on a Fight of the Night slugfest with Tai Tuivasa that left his home fans thrilled.

These days, Gane is the UFC's interim heavyweight champion and awaiting a rematch with champ Tom Aspinall. Four years ago, his win over Tuivasa was a rebound from a loss to Francis Ngannou in a title fight – and got him to another eventual shot at the belt against Jon Jones in 2023.

Check out the preview from the UFC's Paris debut above. The full fight starts the lengthy

marathon below.

4 years ago today! Throwback to our first event in Paris 🇫🇷

[ #UFCParis | LIVE SEP 5 at 3pmET on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/iy5pmyeUNC

— UFC (@ufc) September 3, 2026

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Sept. 3, 2022 MMA History: UFC's Paris debut with Gane-Tuivasa banger