Mathieu Nicourt

Mathieu Nicourt is recognized as one of the pioneering French champions in professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Initially trained in various traditional martial arts, Mathieu’s journey took a transformative turn when he encountered footage from early MMA events. This inspired him to adapt his training regimen to include wrestling, boxing, and grappling. His dedication soon paid off, as he claimed the European title twice at the Night of The Samurai, a leading organization in the UK at the time, as well as winning the IFC tournament, one of the top American promotions.

With a natural talent for grappling and submissions, combined with a powerful striking ability, Mathieu quickly became one of the first French fighters to master the integration of the three combat distances—boxing, wrestling, and ground techniques—employing complex strategies unique to MMA. As an educator with a degree in sports science (STAPS), he established the Free Fight Academy, which consistently ranks highly in amateur competitions, including the French Pancrase Cup. His professional competitors have since made their mark in both national and international arenas.

In addition to his athletic endeavors, Mathieu has ventured into acting, appearing in notable productions such as "La Clef" directed by Guillaume Nicloux alongside stars like Guillaume Canet and Vanessa Paradis, where he plays a kidnapper. He also starred in the téléfilm "Contrecoups" as Stan, a washed-up boxer, and frequently portrays law enforcement or criminal roles in series like "Les Beaux Mecs" on France 2.