Hexagone 44: Ulrich vs. Bivol Set for Tournament Semi-Final in Bordeaux

Théo Ulrich meets Nicolae Bivol on Friday, 29 May 2026, at Hexagone MMA 44 in the Arkéa Arena in Floirac, near Bordeaux, with a place in the €100,000 lightweight tournament final at stake. The lightweight semi-final is one of the key fights on the card and carries real title-path importance for both men.

Tournament Stakes

This bout is more than just another step in the bracket. The winner advances to the tournament final on 18 September in Paris, where they will face either Wilson Varela or Davy Gallon for the championship and the prize money.

That gives the fight immediate pressure and long-term value. For both men, one good performance can turn into a career-changing opportunity by the end of the year.

Théo Ulrich

Ulrich enters the semi-final unbeaten at 7-0, which makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in the tournament. He earned his spot by defeating David Sipra via second-round knockout or TKO, showing that he can push the pace and finish when openings appear.

Being undefeated always brings extra attention, but it also brings expectation. Ulrich now has to prove that his perfect record can survive against another dangerous tournament-tested opponent.

Nicolae Bivol

Bivol comes in with a 7-2 record and a strong tournament résumé of his own. He advanced by submitting Ryan Eren Agbo in the first round, which underlines both his finishing ability and his readiness for high-pressure fights.

The Moldovan fighter has already shown that he can take advantage of mistakes quickly. If Ulrich gives him any space early, Bivol has the kind of skill set that can end the night fast.

Matchup View

This is a classic prospect-versus-proven-danger matchup inside a tournament format. Ulrich brings the unbeaten momentum, while Bivol brings the more battle-tested profile and the ability to force a sudden ending.

The fact that both fighters advanced impressively at Hexagone MMA 37 in January adds another layer to the story. Neither man is here by accident, and both have already shown they can produce under the tournament spotlight.

Why It Matters

Ulrich vs. Bivol matters because it helps shape the final of a major lightweight tournament. With the winner moving one step away from the €100,000 prize, this is the kind of fight that can define a fighter’s year.

It also gives French MMA fans a meaningful home-country storyline with Ulrich representing an unbeaten local hopeful. If he can get through Bivol, he will enter the final with huge momentum.

What To Watch

Ulrich’s key task will be to keep his perfect record intact while managing Bivol’s aggression. If he can control range and settle into a steady rhythm, he may be able to make the fight look like the kind of measured performance that wins tournament bouts.

Bivol’s path is likely to revolve around pressure and quick transitions. If he can force mistakes early, his finishing ability could decide the bout before it reaches the later rounds.

Hexagone MMA 44 has a genuine tournament feel, and this semi-final is one of the most important fights on the card. Ulrich’s unbeaten rise against Bivol’s finishing threat should make for a compelling lightweight clash.