Orléans, France, has emerged as a significant hub for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), boasting a thirty-year history rooted in the evolution of contact wrestling. The sport’s presence in the Loiret region is being further amplified by the arrival of the “King of Fighters” tournament, scheduled for , at the Arena CO’Met.
The “King of Fighters” event, organized by Jérôme Le Banner, a multiple-time world champion in kickboxing and Muay Thai, will feature twelve MMA bouts. Le Banner, 51, is bringing a new level of visibility to the sport within France, which only legalized MMA four years ago. This event marks the first time a major MMA tournament will be held in Orléans.
The growing popularity of MMA in France is noteworthy, with an estimated 60,000 practitioners nationwide. This surge in interest comes after a long period of prohibition, reflecting a shift in attitudes towards the sport’s safety and legitimacy.
At the heart of Orléans’ MMA scene is Ashura Teams, a club described as a “reference” in the region. Founded by Louison Deme and Olivier Laval, both experienced martial artists with national and international titles, Ashura Performance Center aims to provide a unique environment focused on performance, progression and passion for combat. The center, located in Chevilly, emphasizes a structured, supportive, and respectful atmosphere for practitioners of all levels.
Ashura Teams distinguishes itself from other clubs by prioritizing a long-term commitment to its members and preserving the spirit of martial arts. The organization explicitly rejects a “race for numbers,” focusing instead on fostering excellence through sharing and mutual growth. This approach is particularly relevant as MMA becomes increasingly professionalized.
The club offers a range of disciplines, including grappling and MMA competitions. While experience in other combat sports can be advantageous, Ashura Teams welcomes beginners, providing them with the opportunity to develop their skills alongside more experienced fighters. The club emphasizes that MMA is now a distinct discipline with its own unique techniques, rather than simply a combination of existing martial arts.
For the season, Ashura Teams has opened inscriptions, offering a payment plan of 12 monthly installments of 25€ for adults who register in August or September. The club utilizes an application called TeamPulse for communication, scheduling, and updates, accessible with the team code “Ashurateam.”
Ashura Teams requires specific documentation for registration, including an Attestation of Non-Pregnancy (FMMAF), a Medical Certificate of Non-Contraindication for MMA, a copy of the club’s internal regulations (SMOC QWANKIDO), and a completed 2025-2026 Club MMA Orléans registration form. These forms are available for download on the club’s website.
The success of young fighters from Orléans and the Loiret region in competitions, including the French Karate Championship, further underscores the area’s growing prominence in the world of MMA. The region’s long-standing tradition in contact wrestling has clearly laid a strong foundation for the sport’s continued development.
Jérôme Le Banner’s involvement with the “King of Fighters” tour, which includes stops in Lille, Brest, Limoges, and Nancy before arriving in Orléans, is expected to further boost the profile of MMA in France. The Arena CO’Met is poised to become a key venue for combat sports enthusiasts in the Loiret region and beyond.
Ashura Teams, as a central pillar of the Orléans MMA community, continues to build on this momentum, offering a comprehensive training program and a commitment to the core values of martial arts. The club’s dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment positions it as a vital resource for both aspiring and experienced MMA practitioners in the region.
