The new year brings fresh opportunities, and with it, new fights that ignite excitement. Hexagone MMA 23 on January 10th, promises to deliver a thrilling card, packed with compelling matchups all ready to make MMA news. Among them, a pivotal MMA fight between two dynamic strawweights, Aleksandra Toncheva and Alice Michalkiewicz, stands out.
This fight at Zénith de Paris is more than just a contest—it’s a turning point. With their respective records sitting at 5-5-1 and 3-3, both fighters find themselves at a critical juncture. Victory could open the door to title opportunities and greater financial rewards. Defeat, however, could cast doubt on their futures in the sport.
Toncheva: A Chance to Rebuild
Aleksandra Toncheva steps into the cage on a two-fight losing streak.
Fighting out of Varna, Bulgaria, she has competed in high-profile promotions such as KSW, Bellator, and RIZIN but has yet to secure a win under those banners. Her last victory came in 2023, when she defeated Sofia Bagishvili via unanimous decision at Octagon 39—a fight where she entered as a significant underdog.
The pressure is on for Toncheva to halt her skid and prove that she still belongs among the elite. Her submission loss in her most recent bout could leave her vulnerable, especially if Michalkiewicz capitalises on this potential opening.
Michalkiewicz: Home Crowd Advantage
Alice Michalkiewicz also seeks to end her winless streak, having last tasted victory in 2023. Though fighting far from her hometown of Menton on the French Riviera, she may draw strength from the Parisian crowd’s support.
Michalkiewicz has gone the distance in all six of her professional fights, splitting the outcomes evenly with three wins and three losses. Her durability is undeniable, but turning that resilience into decisive victories remains a challenge.
Recent training footage on her Instagram MMA blog highlights her striking and coaching sessions, but focusing on her submission game could prove critical against an opponent like Toncheva, who has shown susceptibility to being tapped out.
The Stakes
This bout is do-or-die for both fighters. Securing a winning record could transform their careers, positioning them for title contention and greater opportunities. Conversely, leaving Paris with a losing record will be the damnification to reassess their paths in MMA.
Hexagone MMA 23 will be a night of reckoning for Toncheva and Michalkiewicz. With everything on the line, both fighters must deliver their best to prove they belong on the big stage.
