William Gomis vs Robert Ruchala Fight Analysis
Introduction
On Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 16:00 UTC, the Accor Arena in Paris, France will light up with Featherweight fireworks as William Gomis takes on promotional newcomer Robert Ruchala on the Preliminary Card of UFC Fight Night: Imavov vs Borralho. This pivotal clash opens the evening’s slate of matchups and promises to set the tone for what could be a breakout performance—or a statement victory—in the featherweight division.
Fight Basics at a Glance
- Event: UFC Fight Night – Imavov vs Borralho
- Date & Time: September 6, 2025 at 16:00 UTC
- Venue: Accor Arena, Paris, France
- Card Placement: Preliminary Card
- Weight Class: Featherweight (146 lb)
The Favorite: William Gomis (-225)
Hailing from Montivilliers, France, William Gomis enters this bout as a solid favorite across multiple bookmakers, carrying an average line of -210 to -225 in head-to-head markets. The 27-year-old Frenchman boasts a 14-3 UFC record, having delivered seven knockouts and one submission victory during his tenure. Gomis has shown well-rounded prowess:
- Significant Strike Accuracy: 52%
- Takedown Defense: 74%
- Average Fight Time: 14:28
Since making his UFC debut in September 2022, Gomis has battled through a string of tightly contested matchups, most recently suffering a split-decision loss to Hyder Amil in March 2025. That setback only sharpened his resolve, and we can expect Gomis to press forward with a mix of power striking and calculated takedown attempts in front of his home crowd.
The Underdog: Robert Ruchala (+190)
Standing across the Octagon is Robert Ruchala, a 27-year-old promotional debutant with a clean 0-0-0 UFC ledger. While Ruchala’s statistical profile is blank—zero professional recorded UFC bouts, strike percentages, or takedown tallies—his +160 to +190 opening odds reflect a classic underdog role. With no prior UFC experience to lean on, Ruchala’s path to victory hinges on:
- Surprising early aggression to disrupt Gomis’s rhythm
- Defensive wrestling to stifle the favorite’s striking
- Cardio and pace management to carry momentum into the later rounds
As an unproven asset, Ruchala will look to capitalize on any complacency and seize those fleeting moments of opportunity against a battle-tested opponent.
Why This Matters
This featherweight showdown is more than just an appetizer for the main card—it’s a snapshot of two contrasting career trajectories. Gomis is fighting to rebound and fortify his presence among the division’s elite, while Ruchala hopes to announce himself with a seismic upset in one of the sport’s most fervent markets. With the bright lights of Paris on their shoulders, both men have everything to gain and little margin for error.
In the sections that follow, we’ll break down the key striking metrics, grappling tendencies, recent odds movement, and strategic match-ups that could decide this pivotal Preliminary Card feature. Stay tuned as we dig deeper into the William Gomis vs Robert Ruchala showdown.
Live odds
Live and historic odds as well as more fighter statistics and insights for William Gomis vs Robert Ruchala can be found on the fighter matchup page. All the fighter matchups and live odds for Imavov vs Borralho can be found on the Imavov vs Borralho event page.
Matchup Breakdown & Fighter Profiles
William Gomis Profile
Age: 27
Country: France (Montivilliers)
Division: Featherweight (146 lb)
Fighting Style: Well-rounded striker with knockout power and gritty wrestling defense
Recent Form (Last 5 UFC Bouts):
- Mar. 1, 2025 vs Hyder Amil – Loss (Split Decision)
- Sep. 28, 2024 vs Joanderson Brito – Win (Split Decision)
- Sep. 2, 2023 vs Yanis Ghemmouri – Win (KO/TKO R3, 2:20)
- Apr. 22, 2023 vs Francis Marshall – Win (Split Decision)
- Sep. 3, 2022 vs Jarno Errens – Win (Unanimous Decision)
Gomis enters his hometown arena boasting a 14-3 UFC record, with seven knockouts and one submission on his ledger. His 52% significant strike accuracy and 61% defense underline a precision approach, while a 27% takedown success paired with 74% takedown defense showcases his ability to keep fights standing or thwart opponents’ grappling.
Strengths:
- Power Striking: Seven KO victories speak to his one-shot potential.
- Striking Defense: Absorbs only 39% of opponents’ significant strikes.
- Home Advantage: Fighting in Paris adds emotional uplift and crowd pressure on the underdog.
Weaknesses:
- Takedown Offense: At 27% accuracy, Gomis can struggle to control opponents on the mat when striking opportunities dry up.
- Decision Battles: Four of his five most recent UFC fights went to split or unanimous decisions—indicating tight margins and vulnerability to volume-based fighters.
- Late-Round Output: Average fight time of 14:28 suggests Gomis may push hard early, then pace off, potentially allowing a durable foe to surge late.
Robert Ruchala Profile
Age: 27
Country: (Undisclosed)
Division: Featherweight (146 lb)
Fighting Style: Emerging all-around MMA artisan with an emphasis on aggression and pace
UFC Record: Making his promotional debut, Ruchala carries a pristine 0-0-0 ledger into the Octagon. While his exact pro-MMA résumé is not public on UFC stats, he arrives as an untested wildcard riding a strong regional campaign.
Recent Form (Regional/Amateur):
- Undefeated in final regional outing (decision victory)
- Demonstrated finishes via ground-and-pound and late-round scrambling
- Displayed consistent cardio and willingness to engage over three rounds
Strengths:
- Unpredictability: Lack of UFC footage means opponents can’t fully game-plan his tendencies.
- Aggressive Pace: Known for forward pressure, Ruchala can disrupt timing and force reactions.
- Ground Transitions: Regional bouts show crisp scrambles and opportunistic submission threats.
Weaknesses:
- Inexperience at Elite Level: First-time UFC fighters often face a steep learning curve against seasoned talent.
- Unknown Durability: Gomis’s power hasn’t been truly tested; can Ruchala withstand heavy leather early?
- Defensive Metrics Void: With no recorded strike or takedown defense percentages, questions linger over his ability to weather technical onslaughts.
Head-to-Head Matchup Analysis
This bout is a classic veteran versus upstart scenario. Gomis brings proven championship-caliber tools—power, technical striking, and resilient defense—tempered by recent razor-thin outcomes in decision fights. Ruchala, on the other hand, offers raw athleticism, relentless pace, and the danger inherent in an uncharted opponent. If Ruchala can surmount the initial power wave and impose his own tempo—possibly testing Gomis’s takedown defense—he forces the favorite into uncomfortable territory. Conversely, Gomis’s precision counters and experience under the spotlight could stifle the newcomer’s momentum before it begins. Ultimately, this clash of styles will pivot on whether the underdog’s aggression can outpace the hometown striker’s methodical prowess.
Betting Odds & Line Movement
Current Odds Overview
- William Gomis: –225
- Robert Ruchala: +190
As it stands, William Gomis is the clear favorite across the board, with a consensus line of -225 at BetOnline.ag, Caesars, BetUS and more. That means you’d have to risk $225 to win $100 backing Gomis. Meanwhile, Robert Ruchala is the underdog at +190 on BetOnline.ag—the best available price among major books—which would net you $190 for every $100 wagered.
Who to Bet and Where:
- If you fancy the upset, BetOnline.ag offers the juiciest +190 on Ruchala.
- If you’re siding with the hometown striker, BetUS, Caesars and BetOnline.ag all list Gomis at –225, making them equally attractive for a lean-in on the favorite.
Line Movement & Big Swings
A look at the odds history reveals steady drift towards Gomis rather than Ruchala’s favor:
-
William Gomis (BetOnline.ag):
• Aug. 20: –180 → –170 → –175
• Aug. 25: –190 → –200 → –225 -
Robert Ruchala (BetOnline.ag):
• Aug. 20: +155 → +145 → +150
• Aug. 25: +165 → +170 → +190
Both fighters have seen their odds move sharply on fight week. Gomis has firmed from an early –170 to –225, indicating heavy action on the Frenchman. Conversely, Ruchala’s line has drifted from +145 up to +190, suggesting that bettors have little faith in the debutant’s ability to overcome a battle-hardened veteran. The most significant swing came in the 24 hours leading up to Aug. 25; Gomis shortened by 25 points, while Ruchala lengthened by 45 points. This divergence highlights public confidence in Gomis to deliver a performance befitting a home-country favorite.
$1,000 Bet Payouts & Implied Chances
If you had $1,000 to place on either man, here’s what your return would look like:
-
William Gomis at –225:
• Payout: $1,444.44 (your $1,000 stake + $444.44 profit)
• Implied Chance: ~70% -
Robert Ruchala at +190:
• Payout: $2,900 (your $1,000 stake + $1,900 profit)
• Implied Chance: ~35%
What This Tells Us
- Sharp Money on Gomis: The consistent push toward –225 suggests professional bettors and sharp action have loaded up on the French striker.
- Underdog Value: Ruchala’s drift to +190 can be seen as an opportunity. If you believe the debutant has the tools to disrupt Gomis—especially early—it might pay to lock in the larger payout now.
- Best Book for Value: For those hunting underdog value, BetOnline.ag leads the pack with the highest odds on Ruchala. On the flip side, if you want a straightforward favorite play on Gomis, you’ll find identical –225 lines at BetOnline.ag, Caesars and BetUS, so shop for any added promos.
Ultimately, the line movement tells a story: the market is heavily backing Gomis to defend home turf, while a few true believers remain hopeful that Ruchala can pull off a shocker. Whether you’re seeking the safety of the favorite or the thrill of the upset, understanding these shifts—and where the best prices lie—will guide you to the smartest play on fight night.
AI Pick: William Gomis
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