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A highly anticipated showdown between Cedric Doumbe and Anthony Pettis seems to be on the horizon for Bellator. Earlier today, Doumbe made a triumphant return in the co-main event of Bellator Champions Series 2, held in his native France. The former two-time Glory Kickboxing champion faced off against Jaleel Willis, a former LFA titleholder. The lead-up to their catchweight bout was marked by intense trash talk, but Doumbe silenced his opponent in under a round with a spectacular knockout.
Just months after suffering the first loss of his career, Doumbe's first-round victory electrified the crowd at the Accor Arena in Paris. Among those in attendance was former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis.
Known as 'Showtime,' Pettis hasn't fought since securing a unanimous decision victory over Benson Henderson in Karate Combat last December. Pettis has long expressed interest in facing Doumbe. After Doumbe's impressive knockout, Pettis entered the cage and, in an interview with Chael Sonnen, accepted a future bout with the Frenchman, stipulating that the fight take place in France.
“I love it, bro. I want to fight him here in Paris. Pete let’s set it up here, I want it here,” Pettis announced.
Doumbe responded with excitement:
“Come on. Fighting me in another country? That’s murder, that’s insane. But fighting me in Paris? This guy is crazy.”
Despite Pettis' eagerness for a fight later this year, there is a potential conflict. Doumbe is already scheduled to be part of the undercard for the Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira event this summer in Saudi Arabia. Although the date for this card has not been confirmed, it is also expected to feature Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco in the co-main event.