With the Bellator Champions Series event in Paris rapidly approaching on May 17th, the welterweight co-main event is heating up as Cedric Doumbe and Jaleel Willis exchange verbal blows ahead of their clash.
Cedric Doumbe is set to compete in his native France at the Accor Arena, returning to the ring just over two months following a controversial defeat due to an injury against Baissangour Chamsoudinov. This match offers Doumbe a chance to rebound from his first loss under the PFL/Bellator banner.
The French striker, known as a knockout artist, holds a 5-1 professional record with all victories coming by knockout. Initially slated to fight Derek Anderson, Doumbe now faces Jaleel Willis due to a last-minute change.
The animosity is palpable between the two contenders.
At their virtual media conference, Doumbe and Willis quickly escalated their verbal sparring. "I was born to fight, born to knock people out," Doumbe stated sharply. "Knocking out Jaleel is exactly what I plan to do."
Doumbe, nicknamed "The Best," will not only enjoy the support of his hometown crowd but believes he will also capture the hearts of the American fans against his American opponent. "France, along with the American fans, is eager to see me knock him out," Doumbe declared. "I'll do what I'm best at: ripping his head off, silencing him, and sending him packing to the US."
Willis was equally forthright in his remarks. "When do you get to storm into someone’s home turf, dominate, and make a spectacle without consequences?" he challenged.
With a 16-5 record, including five knockouts, Willis brings more experience into this bout. Facing Doumbe represents a significant opportunity, one that Willis is keen to seize. "I was born for this fight. It's more than just street fighting; I'm going overseas and I'm all in," Willis exclaimed. "I'm out there every day hustling for my family."
The rivalry has spilled over to social media, with Willis suggesting that Doumbe is feeling the pressure. "I can tell he's nervous about me," Willis posted on Instagram, followed by a message reading, "Cedric, you’re dead," translating the French taunt for his followers.
Doumbe's response on social media was dismissive: "LOL, poor guy. He doesn’t know what’s coming."
With the high level of trash talk between Doumbe and Willis, their upcoming bout promises to deliver an explosive showdown in Paris.
