Romain Debienne vs Mickael Lebout Prediction: A fight between two French fighters in France

The upcoming MMA bout at KSW 101 in France on December 21, 2024, pits Romain Debienne against Mickael Lebout in an exciting welterweight clash. Both Paris-based fighters bring unique strengths, with Debienne (10-5-0) looking to bounce back from a setback and Lebout (23-12-3) showcasing his seasoned experience despite mixed recent results. With similar physical stats and national pride at stake, this matchup promises an intense showdown. Let’s dive into their recent form, key statistics, and a prediction for this exciting encounter.

Romain Debienne enters his upcoming fight with a professional MMA record of 10 wins and 5 losses, showcasing a well-rounded skill set but with room for improvement. Out of his victories, 6 have come via TKO, highlighting his striking power and ability to finish opponents (60% of wins). However, 3 of his losses have also come by TKO, suggesting vulnerabilities in his striking defense or durability (60% of losses). In addition, Debienne has secured four wins by decision, proving he can endure and perform well over multiple rounds when needed. Debienne’s recent form has been mixed. While he achieved a strong streak of wins in 2023, with notable first-round TKO victories over Bourama Camara and Victor Verchere, 2024 has been less favorable. He suffered a first-round TKO loss to Thad Jean, exposing possible gaps in his ability to handle aggressive strikers. Ranked #56 in Western Europe’s welterweight division, he is fighting to climb higher in a competitive weight class.

Mickael Lebout, a seasoned fighter from Paris, has an MMA record of 23 wins, 12 losses, and 3 draws. At 37 years old, Lebout stands 5’11” (180 cm) with a reach of 73 inches (185 cm), competing in the welterweight division. His career includes a mix of wins and losses, with 13 of his victories coming by decision (56%), 9 by submission (39%), and 1 by TKO (4%). In his most recent performances, he has faced some setbacks, including a TKO loss to Laureano Staropoli in March 2024. However, his resilience is evident in victories over notable opponents like Karl Amoussou and Kevin Ruart in 2023. Lebout’s strengths lie in his experience and grappling ability, with his submission skills standing out as a key asset. However, he has struggled with consistency in recent bouts, with several losses coming by decision. To secure a win in his upcoming bout against Romain Debienne, I think Lebout should focus on leveraging his submission expertise while maintaining composure during stand-up exchanges.

• • 60% of Romain Debienne’s wins come by TKO, showcasing his strong knockout ability, which makes him a dangerous opponent in the stand-up game.
• • With 23 wins and 12 losses, Mickael Lebout has a wealth of experience, but his recent form, with mixed results, indicates inconsistency in his performances.
• • Both Debienne and Lebout hail from Paris, which adds an extra layer of excitement to this fight, as they both fight for hometown pride.
• • Romain Debienne enters the fight on the back of a loss but has shown resilience by winning his previous bouts, which indicates his ability to bounce back.
• • Mickael Lebout has a notable submission record, with 39% of his wins coming via submission, but Debienne’s aggressive striking might make it hard for Lebout to work his ground game.

Based on the stats, I believe Romain Debienne has the upper hand going into this fight against Mickael Lebout. Debienne’s recent form, with victories in 2023, shows he’s in good shape and has momentum. He has a strong knockout game, with 60% of his wins coming by TKO, which could give him an edge in the stand-up exchanges. While Lebout has solid submission skills, his recent struggles and loss streaks suggest he might not be as sharp as Debienne, especially when it comes to adapting to pressure. I think Debienne will win by TKO in the second round. He’s aggressive and has shown he can capitalize on openings, which will be key against Lebout, who has been vulnerable to strikes in recent bouts. Debienne’s speed and power will likely overwhelm Lebout before he can settle into his rhythm.