Photo: ESPN
Tale of the Tape
Age
29
Height
6' 5"
Reach
78"
Stance
Southpaw
Country
France
Key Stats
100%
Win Rate
71%
Finish Rate
5
KO/TKO Wins
0
Submission Wins
0
Title Fight Wins
7
Pro Fights
Advanced Stats
Color = level vs. divisionStriking
Career
Win Methods
Nobody hands you anything at middleweight. Ilian Bouafia — "The Gorilla" to fight fans — has built a 7-0 record the hard way, one fight at a time since leaving France's regional scene.
This is power striking with numbers behind it — 5 KO/TKO wins, 2 significant strikes landed per minute. Opponents don't get outpointed so much as dismantled. Add the southpaw stance and a 78" reach, and the puzzle gets harder still.
The form line is loud: 5 straight wins, the latest over Neemias Santana (Decision - Unanimous). Momentum like that forces the division's hand.
Recent Fights
Neemias Santana
Decision - Unanimous · Aug 12, 2025
Dana White's Contender Series: Season 9, Week 1
Paulin Begai
Decision - Unanimous · Feb 14, 2025
Ares FC 29: Younousov Vs. Alcino
Frederico Komuenha
KO/TKO R1 · Jul 25, 2024
Hexagone MMA 19
Carlos Cainan
TKO (Retirement) R1 · Mar 8, 2024
Ares FC 19: Pena vs. Lee Scott
Carlos Graca
KO/TKO R2 · Jun 23, 2023
Ares FC 16: Chamsoudinov vs. Escudero