Harry Hardwick’s UFC Paris Hype Limps Alongside Him as Wheelchair Exit Silences 15,000+ Fans

UFC Paris kicked off as a spectacular night for combat sports fans around the world. So far, four knockouts had already electrified the crowd at the Accor Arena. To keep the night’s energy soaring, Kauê Fernandes stepped into the cage against Cage Warriors featherweight champ Harry Hardwick in a high-stakes lightweight bout. As soon as the Brazilian fighter made his entrance, the crowd started booing, letting everyone know who’s their favorite. 

After Fares Ziam withdrew from the event due to his grandmother’s passing, Dana White called on British star Harry Hardwick answered the CEO’s call on just five days’ notice. Riding an eight-fight winning streak, many expected him to pose a serious threat to Fernandes, who had already defeated Ili Topuria and Khamzat Chimaev’s teammate Guram Kutateladze in his previous fight. But when the clash began, the Brazilian was on fire.

Fernandes opened the fight in a karate stance, firing long-range shots that quickly started landing on Hardwick. Soon, the Brazilian 155er began unleashing punishing leg kicks that began taking their toll. Hardwick, wracked with pain, tried to switch his stance, but Fernandes’ relentless attacks ultimately crumbled him. The fight ended with Fernandes earning the 19th leg-kick finish in UFC history, while Hardwick was escorted out of the arena in a wheelchair, silencing the 15000+ UFC Paris crowd in the process. 

Harry Hardwick leaving the octagon in a WHEELCHAIR after getting leg kick TKO’d by Kauê Fernandes

@LaSueur_off pic.twitter.com/v7jD24pL2q

— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) September 6, 2025

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