Dan Hooker vs. Salahdine Parnasse: Bloody Elbow staff predict the UFC Paris main event

Salahdine Parnasse is set to make his long-awaited UFC debut in France on Saturday night.

The former two-weight KSW champion will face lightweight veteran Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Paris.

Who’ll emerge victorious at the Accor Arena? Let’s get the thoughts of Bloody Elbow’s staff writers.

Jordan Ellis: “I think we could get back-to-back upsets in UFC main events. Dan Hooker is a tough veteran who can go the full five rounds. On paper, he might be the best opponent Salahdine Parnasse has ever fought. I think Hooker might struggle early before working himself into the fight and forcing a TKO in the championship rounds.”

PREDICTION: DAN HOOKER BY KNOCKOUT

Donagh Corby: “Salahdine Parnasse, on paper, should handily be winning this fight. But fights are not won on paper, and the UFC jitters are very real. Many have faltered at this level, and Dan Hooker is an awkward and tough veteran of many years. I think Dan Hooker might shock the world and win a decision to silence one of the best crowds in MMA”

PREDICTION: DAN HOOKER BY DECISION

Jamie Theodosi: “Dan Hooker is part of the regressing old-age lightweight pack in my opinion. I don’t see a way in which he pulls off a big upset on enemy territory.”

PREDICTION: SALAHDINE PARNASSE BY DECISION

Kyle Dimond: “I still think Dan Hooker has more to offer and think he’ll be competitive in this fight, but I just feel that Parnasse will be too quick and too well-rounded.”

PREDICTION: SALAHDINE PARNASSE BY DECISION

Harvey Leonard: “Salahdine Parnasse is one of the most exciting newcomers to the UFC in a really long time, and we’ve seen nothing from Dan Hooker for years to suggest he could spoil the Frenchman’s welcome party in Paris.”

PREDICTION: SALAHDINE PARNASSE BY KNOCKOUT