Having already cemented an incredible legacy, Anthony Dizy could’ve retired a happy man. But when the opportunity to fight in front of his own people at Hexagone MMA 9 presented itself, he simply couldn’t resist.
Born in Reims, the Frenchman gravitated towards Greco-Roman Wrestling, quickly excelling far beyond his peers. And through hard work and dedication, he worked his way to the European Games, using his incredible talent to proudly pick up a bronze medal.
And with such an impressive base, he transitioned to MMA and instantly utilised his grappling skills to dominate anyone who dared set foot in the cage with him.
Speaking exclusively to Sporf, he said: “It was a very long time ago, ten years ago now, since I starred in the European Championships. It’s a very high level. It’s been good for me to have had this background in wrestling in my career.”
Anthony Dizy deserves his chance to fight in France
In his astonishing journey, Dizy has travelled the globe, producing vintage performances in Bellator, Cage Warriors and BAMMA and even participated in the $1 million PFL tournament.
However, while he earned the respect of British and American audiences, he always dreamed of the perfect homecoming. Alas, the sport remained illegal in his country, forcing his adoring fans to watch him only via their television screens.
But in 2020, that all changed, and the stars finally aligned for Dizy to receive his long-deserved hero’s return.
With his stock at an all-time high following a win over Jesse Stirn, he finally got his wish.
Having proved themselves as France’s number one organisation, Hexagone MMA, pushed the boat out, knowing they had to give the featherweight an opportunity to showcase his skills on home soil.
On June 17, he’ll compete inside Reims Arena, and he can’t wait to hear the roar of the crowd.
Overcome with emotion, Dizy said: “Throughout my entire career, I have never had the opportunity to fight in France, let alone in Reims, my home city. I was thinking of retiring, but Hexagone MMA’s proposal changed my mind. I am very happy to sign with the organisation and eager to show what I am worth.”
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Anthony Dizy is eyeing a big performance at Hexagone MMA 9
While the 9000 fans in attendance can’t wait to watch their idol in action, a win is far from a given, as the man in the opposite corner is determined to upset the applecart.
Peru’s Roger Garcia is travelling to France with the intention of exhibiting his fearsome submission game to send the partisan crowd home in tears. But Dizy doesn’t plan to let his adoring supporters down.
He said: “My opponent is a good fighter, but when I go into a fight, I’m going for the win. I believe I’m going to finish the fight.”
Who could Anthony Dizy fight next?
On the same card, French phenom Mehdi Ben Lakhdar also makes his debut in the promotion. But while the pair are undeniably two of the best in the business, their friendship is worth much more than exchanging punches in the cage.
Dizy claimed: “He is a sparring partner whom I train with. It is not a good idea for us to fight. In France, we can’t organise it because of the rules. If you don’t have ten professional fights, you can’t fight with me.”
However, the same can’t be said about Liverpool’s own Dean Garnett, who will be watching his rival with a future match-up in mind.
The Brit asserted: “I’m potentially considering dropping down to bantamweight as I’m a very small featherweight. But if I do stay at featherweight, I’ve seen Anthony Dizy has signed with Hexagone MMA. He’s the next weight up from me, but when he was fighting on PFL, it was at featherweight. So, if I stay at featherweight, that’s the fight I want next, provided he wins his fight. And I’m sure he will, as he’s a really good wrestler.
But regardless of what comes in the future, on June 17, Dizy has the opportunity to do what he’s always wanted and win via stoppage in front of his countrymen.
Fans can watch his eagerly-anticipated bout live and exclusively on BT Sport.
Featured Image Credit: Hexagone MMA
