Delphine Benouaich Stuns in UFC Debut

Delphine Benouaich has arrived, UFC fans. Opening up this evening's UFC Paris card, which is headlined by Dan Hooker and the debuting Salahdine Parnasse, Benouaich put on a stunning performance to secure France its first win on the French heavy card.

Benouaich kicked off proceedings with violence and got the French crowd up for the occasion instantly. From the opening bell, she was measured, accurate and vicious. She was able to catch Sofia Montenegro on the end of her punches, which began to tax the gas tank of the Argentine.

Whether it was at range or in the clinch, Benouaich was dangerous. Violent exchanges in the pocket saw a total of 121 significant strikes landed.

Delphine Benouaich Stuns in UFC Paris Opener - The Finish

The finish came officially at 4:22 of the second round, but it was over after 3:35. Delphine Benouaich landed a vicious, accurate straight to the chin, which caused Montenegro to stumble and fall to her back. The French woman landed several big strikes before falling into her opponent's guard.

Sliding into full mount, Benouaich landed a slick, pinpoint elbow, splitting the cheek of Montenegro wide open. Instantly, she began to wear the crimson mask and was in survival mode. She fought with amazing spirit, but it was all Benouaich's favour from that moment. 

Attempting to fight back to her feet, Montenegro gave up her back and was choked unconscious via a rear naked choke by the dominant Benouaich.

Taking to the mic after the fight, the Frenchwoman said: "I expected nothing but a hard fight and this is what she gave me. Shoutout to her".

It's going to take an epic performance to stop Benouaich getting a performance of the night winning bonus.