PFL's Cédric Doumbé Claims He'd Sell Out 80,000-Seater France Stadium Against Anthony Pettis

During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Doumbé looked ahead to what promises to be a major year in his relatively new MMA career.

The Frenchman acknowledged his stardom the European nation, as evidenced by the rapid nature with which tickets for his first fight of 2024 sold out. Having seen that, "The Best" has no doubt that he could even fill up the 80,000-capacity Stade de France if he had the right opponent.

Fortunately, Doumbé has been going back and forth with an individual whose 'former UFC champion' tag could prove to be a valuable selling point for an event at France's largest stadium.

"The Accor Arena is the biggest arena. I think it's almost 20,000. The last one I think was something like 7,000. Way more than double," Doumbé said. "No, not at all (surprised). I even expected them to take like, the French football (stadium), you know, Stade de France. 

"That was the arena I really wanted to compete, but next time. They have to (sell) like, 100,000 seats," Doumbé continued. "Not yet (discussed). But I think after this one, it's gonna be, for sure. Of course (I could sell it out), if they put me (against) a good opponent... I have spoke with Anthony Pettis. At first he was okay to fight and then he declined, maybe (because) of the date. So, the next one, why not?"

Pettis, an ex-lightweight titleholder in the UFC, spent his 2023 away from MMA. He competed against Roy Jones Jr. in boxing and Benson Henderson under the Karate Combat banner, winning both contests.

This year, "Showtime" is looking to take to the cage again, and he is seemingly willing to test himself against Doumbé in what he branded one of the biggest possible matchups in the organization.

A third green light has also come from the PFL itself, with CEO Peter Murray recently revealing that the fight is a real possibility for later this year.

First things first, though, the kickboxing specialist must get through a highly touted prospect in the undefeated Baissangour Chamsoudinov on March 7.