Published 6 days ago
Nell Ariano, 31, eyes an unprecedented title in Las Vegas against Preston LaGrange to make history
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Nell Ariano, 31, faces Preston LaGrange this Wednesday in Las Vegas in a decisive bout at Dana White's Contender Series. With a perfect 6-0 professional record, the former judoka and 2022 amateur European champion is banking on her versatility to break the French curse and secure a spot in the UFC.
To remember:
- Nell Ariano, 31, faces Preston LaGrange this Wednesday in Las Vegas in an attempt to break the French curse at Dana White's Contender Series.
- The former judoka, 2022 amateur European champion, boasts a perfect 6-0 pro record and is relying on her versatility to dominate her opponent.
- A technical and high-risk duel where Ariano must prove her superiority against a grappling specialist, despite a weight difference.
This Wednesday in Las Vegas, Nell Ariano writes a historic chapter in French MMA. At 31, the former judoka and 2022 amateur European champion faces Preston LaGrange in a bout at Dana White's Contender Series, the final step before the UFC. A golden opportunity to break the curse that has weighed on French fighters since 2023: no French athlete has yet convinced Dana White in this proving ground, despite five attempts.
With a perfect 6-0 professional record, Ariano arrives with the confidence of a battle-hardened athlete. Her unconventional journey, marked by fights in Cage Warriors and a job at Decathlon, showcases rare resilience. Her opponent, LaGrange, 29, is a grappling specialist with six wins in seven bouts, including four by submission. A formidable adversary, but Ariano is banking on her versatility to dominate, whether standing or on the ground.
A Technical Duel Where Every Detail Matters
This fight is more than just a simple matchup: it’s a question of credibility for French MMA. Ariano, despite a weight difference, is betting on technique and experience to counter LaGrange’s attacks. "I’m not here to survive, but to win," he declares. A mindset that could make the difference against a seasoned grappler.
A Golden Opportunity for the UFC
If Ariano succeeds, he will become the first French fighter to join the UFC via the Contender Series. A feat that could reignite interest in French MMA and inspire a new generation of fighters. The question remains: will the curse be broken tonight in Las Vegas?