Exclusive: Cédric Doumbè gives his predictions for PFL Europe in Paris

Cédric Doumbè not be taking part in PFL Europe in Paris on May 23, but he still has thoughts on how the show will unfold. 

Without Doumbè, it will be Mansour Barnaoui (22-6), Taylor Lapilus (21-4) on his PFL debut and Patrick Habirora (6-0) on the bill at the in Paris. Doumbè spoke about the young Belgian crack's fight against Nicolas Di Franco (10-4-1).

"Habirora is really on a very, very good run," Doumbè told DAZN News. "He’s the new generation. I think Patrick is on the right path, the right trajectory. I don’t think anyone will stop him for now."

In the co-main event, PFL Mena champion Ali Taleb (12-1) will face Lapilus. The Frenchman is the favourite, according to Doumbè.

"I really like Taylor Lapilus," he said. "The public is a bit hard on him. There won’t be anything spectacular happening in his fights, but he’s going to win. And really, what we ask of fighters is to win. And Taylor wins the majority of his fights. I know he’s not a fighter who feels the pressure, he doesn’t get intimidated, I trust him."

Archie Colgan (11-0), who is still unbeaten, will be looking for an away win against Barnaoui in the main event. As one of the pioneers of French MMA, Barnaoui will be contesting a crucial fight in the next stage of his career, explained Doumbè.

"Mansour won his last fight. He has a very tough story. I feel like MMA is a bit harsh on him," he said. "He was one of the pioneers of our generation in MMA. He fought a lot abroad, he won, made a big name for himself. And he’s a spectacular fighter due to his physical abilities. His physical condition is incredible.

"And then he was unknown in France, he was kind of the uncrowned king. He had a big war against Islam Makhachev. On paper, he beat him, but that’s sport. Islam won the fight, but he praised Mansour. He’s highly respected too. I think his next fight will be a fight against himself and also everything that happened in his personal life."