Axel Sola succeeds in his UFC Paris 4 debut against Rhys McKee

At the Accor Arena, the Nice fighter won by TKO in the 3rd round against Irish fighter Rhys McKee. For his first appearance in the American organization, the ARES champion confirmed his ambitions.

The evening of Saturday, September 6 will remain in the memory of Axel Sola. UFC Paris 4 offered the Accor Arena audience an anticipated fight. That of a young 27-year-old fighter from Nice who was making his debut in the world’s largest MMA organization. Facing Rhys McKee, the Maralpin fighter prevailed before the limit, in the third round, on a liver hook followed by a ground sequence. The referee ended the duel, validating Sola’s victory.

The Nice fighter, lightweight champion at ARES, was exceptionally competing in the welterweight category. This move up in weight class did not dampen his commitment. From the first round, he marked his opponent with precise strikes to the face. Rhys McKee resisted, absorbing several blows without backing down. But the intensity of the Frenchman ultimately made the difference.

“I am very happy. It’s an honor to make my debut on this great card in Paris. There were moments when I hit him hard with the left but he didn’t flinch. He was very resilient,” said Axel Sola after his victory.

An ascending trajectory

Before joining the UFC, Axel Sola had made a name for himself on other international stages. Having competed in Brave CF, he then built his record at ARES, a French MMA organization. Undefeated in his professional career (10 victories, 1 draw before Saturday), he had established himself as a rising figure in the circuit. In January 2025, he successfully defended his lightweight title in Nice against Brazilian Lucas Caio.

This first appearance under the American banner therefore represented a turning point. “It’s an important step because you have to succeed in your UFC debut, you have to make an impression as I said, so yes right now this is the most important step in my career,” the fighter had explained at a press conference a few days before the fight.

Saturday night, he crossed that threshold. Facing an experienced opponent, already appearing several times in the UFC octagon, Axel Sola demonstrated rapid adaptation. After two contested rounds, he found the decisive opening. A body hook made Rhys McKee buckle, before the Frenchman accelerated to finish on the ground.

At the Accor Arena, the French audience praised this performance. Supporters saw a fighter who not only managed his first appointment but also knew how to impose his rhythm.

A French evening

This victory is also part of the momentum of UFC Paris 4. Earlier in the evening, Oumar Sy and William Gomis had also won their fights. The French crowd thus chained celebrations, awaiting the main event between Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Barralho.

For Axel Sola, this success now opens a new chapter. Established at the Boxing Squad in Nice, alongside coach Aldric Cassata, he will be able to project himself into a career at the highest level. His next outings in the octagon will be closely watched.

“He bled, but didn’t flinch, I was surprised by his resilience even though I was putting my full weight behind it. In the third round, he kept coming forward and I used a fatal weapon,” said the Nice fighter, still marked by the intensity of the exchange after the fight.

UFC Paris 4 will therefore remain the evening when the ARES champion crossed the threshold of the world stage. A successful first step in an organization that leaves no room for doubt.