Paris (AFP)

A show adjusted to the millimeter, lightning knockouts but empty seats: the show was at the rendezvous on Saturday in Bercy for the first big evening of MMA in France since its legalization even if the atmosphere was lacking due to a gauge limited to 1000 spectators, Covid-19 requires.

Two days after a chaotic warm-up in Vitry-sur-Seine (one and a half hour delay, cage not up to standards, no social distancing) under the leadership of a French promoter (MMA GP), it was at America's turn from the Bellator to enter the scene and begin to clear the promising tricolor market.

While awaiting the imminent arrival of the stars of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), the most powerful MMA league in the world, the Bellator had the heavy task of presenting US know-how to the French and a glimpse of this controversial sport, still unknown to the general public, which allows kicks, punches, knees and elbows, as well as kicks on the ground, strangling and keys inside a cage.

On the program, twelve clashes including that of veteran French Cheick Kongo (45), a former UFC, in "main event".

The only quack, the two boxing fights scheduled for the early afternoon were canceled, due to positive tests for Covid-10, according to the organizers.

The Bellator had not skimped on health protocol, the ringside being strictly reserved for officials and security personnel being picky to enforce social distancing in the stands.

Despite the lack of fervor, except for the French fighters, the deafening sound system and the American announcer, officiating only in English, were there to fill the silences.

- "We are finally home" -

Not enough to despair the fans, few in number but aware of living a unique moment after years of waiting for an official recognition of mixed martial arts, which finally occurred in February under the aegis of the French Boxing Federation.

"That we can have that is exceptional. Until then I watched MMA through social networks and internet and I did not think for a single second to come", explained Romain Dufrenoy, sports coach.

"I'm like a kid, I will remember it all my life, jubilee Lotfi Allali, territorial host and wrestling and grappling trainer at US Ivry. It's a historic event. I've been waiting since the 2000s. that it is legalized in France and finally we are there. That the Bellator makes the trip here, it is sensational. We feel the professionalism in the American style. The downside is that we could have had more sensations and adrenaline with more spectators. But it's already very good that this event has been authorized. ".

Allowed, but not televised.

"The MMA fights have always been controversial in France and we are happy that it is happening under great conditions, despite the Covid-19. It was a long wait", engaged Deborah Zizzo, lawyer and vice-president of the boxing section of the Paris Bar.

In the personalities department, in addition to the Minister of Sports Roxana Maracineanu, Joey Starr, the actors Ramzy Bédia and Nicolas Duvauchelle as well as the Olympic boxing champion (2000) Brahim Asloum had notably taken place among the meager audience.

"We are finally home, summarized Lucie Bertaud, victorious in her fight against another Frenchwoman Maguy Berchel. We cannot prohibit a discipline which is the convergence of other martial arts which are themselves legal. It is illogical and It was purely political. It will take an impact. The train is moving, we will not be able to stop it. "

© 2020 AFP