For his 2nd professional MMA fight, the challenge was enormous. Only two years after ending his football career, Ulysse Obame Ndong discovered the joys of a prestigious organization, Arès, this Saturday in a large venue, the Adidas Arena, against an already renowned opponent, Benoît Prigent. And the Franco-Gabonese has difficulty learning the laws of the very high level.
Very aerial, the former teammate of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina with the Gabon national team tried from the outset to impose his style and his standing qualities. His opponent was banking on another strategy, based on wrestling and ground combat. The first round was a terrible war to bring the duel into his favorite discipline, ultimately won by Benoît Prigent.
Manhandled on the ground, Ulysse Obame Ndong tried to react in the 2nd round, without success. True to his style, the Frenchman continued to bring his opponent to the ground and control him, but never came close to a submission. Logically, the three judges gave him the victory unanimously (30-27 for each).
“He has rage”
Before this second career in MMA, the former midfielder had distinguished himself on numerous pitches around the world, with stints in Cyprus, Bulgaria, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. He was notably selected seven times with his country, Gabon. “It’s one of the big reasons that pushed me to become a professional footballer, it’s an immense pride to represent your country,” he told us before this duel.
Over the years, however, the passion ran out of steam. And that of combat sports returned, after starting out in judo during his childhood. A wise choice, which allowed him to “rediscover the excitement of the start of his career”. “Having watched a few fights, we see that he has the rage, that he wants to show that he can do it,” smiles Mario Lemina, confident about his friend’s career.
