PFL signing, ambitions, journey: Bafode Gassama tells his story
Bafodé Gassama talks about his signing with PFL and a MMA journey that started at 28.
What is said in the show
Alexandre Herbinet welcomes Bafodé Gassama, Hexagone MMA sub-93 kg champion, on the sidelines of UFC Paris, to discuss his signing with PFL. Gassama explains that the signing stems from his new relationship with manager JB Shelby and BTT. He details his ambitions within the organization, his first fight scheduled for December 19 in Lyon, and the prospect of competing in the United States or on Netflix cards as part of the PFL-MVP merger. He then looks back on his atypical journey: a former footballer, he started MMA at 28 in 2022 at Congo Smashing Club in Colombes, with no combat sports background whatsoever. In two years as an amateur, he became a two-time French champion, won a belt at UF against Anthony Nantois, and claimed a silver medal at the world championship. After turning professional following 20 fights, he went on to win four bouts at Hexagone. He shares his vision of a career lasting until 40, his relationship with family, his feelings about the fear of being knocked out, and spirituality, and sets a goal of breaking into the PFL top 10 in his first year.
Chapters
- 0:00Introduction and interview context
- 0:30Signing with PFL and JB Shelby's role
- 2:00PFL-MVP merger and ambitions within the organization
- 5:35First PFL fight in Lyon on December 19
- 9:30Review of four professional fights
- 20:20Journey: from football to MMA at 28
- 27:00The golden generation of French MMA
Key moments
« I only started MMA 4 years ago for real. And since I just turned 32, in MMA, as soon as you hit 32 you're kind of considered old, even though I'm in a weight class where you can age well. »
Bafodé Gassama · at 1:45
« I wouldn't say that because honestly it's not something I was really into. I just realized I was good at it, that I'm someone who thinks clearly when I fight, that I have a cool head, that I'm tough. »
Bafodé Gassama · at 14:08
« My nerves, they went away after my 13th amateur fight. Now I see it as my job. »
Bafodé Gassama · at 27:38
« I operate on the principle that the result - I'm a believer - the result doesn't really belong to you. When you step into the cage, your job is to do the work beforehand and then you walk into the cage. »
Bafodé Gassama · at 29:00
« I'd like to have three or four fights a year, string them together as much as possible, and I'd like to be in the top 10 at minimum and also have fought in the United States, have fought in Dubai too. »
Bafodé Gassama · at 31:36