“The Belgian Bomber” Patrick Habirora is back and ready to make a statement. The 24-year-old Namur native, who last fought in July, will headline PFL Lyon on December 13 at the LDLC Arena. After months of recovery from a shoulder tear and foot fracture, Habirora is set to face France’s Kevin Jousset in what promises to be a thrilling welterweight bout.
“See you in Lyon for the flashballs,” Habirora wrote on Instagram, confirming his long-awaited return. The announcement instantly generated excitement among European MMA fans eager to see one of Belgium’s fastest-rising prospects step back into the cage.
Patrick Habirora: Rising Star With an Unbroken Streak
Patrick Habirora enters the fight with an unblemished 7-0 professional record, with six of those wins coming by knockout. His last outing came at PFL Brussels in July, where he finished English veteran Danny Roberts via a first-round head kick knockout.
The performance established him as one of PFL Europe’s breakout stars. But it came at a cost, Habirora revealed that he fought through multiple injuries leading up to that fight.
We’ve had a few difficult months, he admitted. I had torn ligaments, a fracture… but I’m back now. The injuries have been treated, and I’m ready.
Fully recovered, Habirora spent the past month training at the renowned Tristar Gym in Montreal under the guidance of MMA legend Georges St-Pierre.
I went there as a beginner, focusing on grappling and groundwork. It was amazing to learn from GSP, he said. Now I’m coming back stronger, more complete, and more dangerous.
Kevin Jousset: The French Test
Standing in his way is Kevin “Air” Jousset, a 32-year-old French fighter with a 10-4 record and four UFC bouts under his belt. The former judoka, now training out of City Kickboxing in New Zealand, brings a wealth of experience and composure to the matchup.
Jousset joined PFL earlier this year and was originally slated to debut in September against Abdoul Abdouraguimov, before the bout was cancelled. Now, he gets his chance in Lyon and he’s already fired the first verbal shot.
I can’t wait to put an end to this hype and show him what high-level competition really means, Jousset told the PFL from his training camp in Thailand.
The Frenchman’s well-rounded game, combined with his grappling background, presents an intriguing challenge for Habirora, who has yet to face a former UFC fighter.
Training, Toughness, and Tristar Lessons
Patrick Habirora’s decision to train at Tristar signals his intent to evolve beyond his striking-heavy approach. Known for his explosive knockouts and fearlessness in exchanges, the Belgian has now added a more tactical edge to his style.
The goal was to improve everywhere, he explained. At Tristar, I learned patience, positioning, and how to adapt my style. Every round with those guys felt like a test. Patrick’s always been dangerous on the feet,” he said. “Now he’s learning to think like a champion.
His coach at Red Kings, where he trains in Belgium, believes that experience could make the difference against Jousset.
A Fight That Europe’s MMA Scene Needed
The bout between Habirora and Jousset is more than a comeback story. It’s a key moment for European MMA, pitting two nations’ rising stars against each other in a card that’s shaping up to close out PFL Europe’s 2025 season in style.
The Lyon crowd loved Patrick’s performance last year, and we’re very happy to feature him again, the PFL said in a statement.
Habirora, undefeated and charismatic, embodies the new wave of European fighters looking to make global noise. Jousset, seasoned and strategic, represents the challenge every prospect must overcome to prove they belong among the elite.
What’s at Stake
For Habirora, victory in Lyon would likely position him for a PFL Europe title shot and solidify his reputation as Belgium’s biggest MMA hope since Tarec Saffiedine. For Jousset, it’s an opportunity to redeem his UFC run and reestablish himself as one of France’s top welterweights.
Either way, PFL Lyon promises fireworks. As fight night approaches, one thing is certain Lyon will witness a clash of pride, power, and potential when The Belgian Bomber meets Air Jousset.
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