Baissangour “Baki” Chamsoudinov’s rise in MMA has been anything but ordinary. At just 23, the undefeated French-Chechen welterweight has captured a championship belt, sparked one of the sport’s most talked-about rivalries, and now prepares for a high-stakes title defense in Strasbourg on October 18. With another major fight planned for December, Baki’s 2025 bis shaping up to be the year that defines his career.
Homecoming at Zenith Europe
On October 18, Baki Chamsoudinov will step back into the cage at Zenith Europe in Strasbourg to defend his ARES welterweight title for the first time. At just 23 and still unbeaten, Baki is eager to show he is more than a one fight champion. As he puts it,
“I’m champion, so defending my belt is only natural… after a title comes the defence.”
This is his first time competing in front of his hometown crowd as a champion. Strasbourg has rarely seen an MMA event of this scale since the sport became legal in France. For Baki, it is about more than a fight. He wants to give something back to his city and finally answer the question from friends and neighbours with a confident “Yes, it’s happening here.”
Who is Baki Chamsoudinov?
Baki is one of the brightest young talents in European MMA. Born in France to Chechen parents, he started martial arts at a young age and quickly made a name for himself with his striking skills and relentless pace. Known for his calm demeanor outside the cage and his explosive power inside it, he has compiled a perfect professional record of 11 wins with 7 knockouts. In March 2024, he captured the ARES welterweight title with a decisive victory, becoming a role model for many young fighters in France and beyond.
Seeking a Worthy Challenger
The opponent for October is still under wraps, but Baki has made one thing very clear he wants someone with serious credentials. Ideally, a seasoned fighter with a strong track record, maybe even a former UFC veteran whose name carries weight in MMA. A couple of local names have been floated, but Baki’s preference is to aim higher.
That hasn’t stopped some playful callouts closer to home. Oualy Tandia, a promising 23-year-old French welterweight with a perfect 3–0 record, has been making waves and he’s not shy about stepping into the conversation. The two recently exchanged jabs on X (formerly Twitter), with Baki responding to Tandia’s challenge by posting:
Strategic Momentum Toward December
This title defence is part of a bigger plan. Baki Chamsoudinov already has another major bout set for December in Lyon, under a different organization. While it will not be against Cédric Doumbé, the rivalry between the two continues to be one of the most talked about stories in French MMA.
The Backstory with Doumbé
The heat between Baki Chamsoudinov and Cédric Doumbé didn’t just start in the cage, it had been simmering for months. When their fight was announced in mid-January, tickets disappeared in no time. On one side, you had Baki, a 22-year-old French-Chechen rising star with a spotless record. On the other, Doumbé, a charismatic former kickboxing world champion known for his quick wit and even quicker jabs on social media.
And Doumbé delivered. He posted videos teasing Baki, even “reserving” him a hospital room in Paris ahead of the fight. “Both your eyes will be closed, because you’re going to sleep,” he joked in one clip.
Baki didn’t let it slide. Calm but sharp, he fired back, promising to “send this old gentleman to retirement.” The contrast was perfect: Doumbé’s big talk versus Baki’s quiet confidence. By the time March 7, 2024, rolled around, the fight felt personal.
When the cage door closed on March 7, 2024, at PFL Europe 1 in Paris, the energy was through the roof. The fight itself was competitive Baki using his wrestling and pressure, Doumbé relying on his striking and counterpunching. But in the third round,Doumbé was forced to stop in the third round due to a painful splinter injury, handing Baki the TKO win. The ending was instantly labeled controversial some argued it was pure bad luck, others said injuries are part of the sport. The result split fans and set the wheels in motion for an inevitable, high-stakes rematch.
Why This Moment Matters
Winning the belt is one thing. Defending it is what truly stamps a fighter’s authority. Baki understands this, and he is approaching October 18 with the mindset of proving that his reign is legitimate.
Since winning the belt with a knockout of Thiago Lima in May, Baki has stayed committed to ARES. He values the platform they provide and sees this as the perfect partnership to keep building his career.
Final Thoughts
Baki’s homecoming at Zenith Europe is more than just another fight. It is a personal milestone, a chance to defend what he worked so hard to win, and an opportunity to make history in Strasbourg. With his unbeaten record, growing fan base, and clear long term vision, October 18 could be another step toward cementing his place among the top fighters in the sport. And if the rivalry with Cédric Doumbé ever turns into a real bout, it could be one of the most significant events in French MMA history.
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