Sherdog Prospect Watch: Simon Biyong

Brutal GNP KO just now at EFC. Successful debut for SimonBiyong #EFC82 pic.twitter.com/1cm2XqHPQ1

— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) September 28, 2019

Simon Biyong ranks among one of the most interesting fighters in Bellator MMA’s 205-pound division. At 31, Biyong is making the most out of what might be one of his last chances to shine at the highest levels. Better known as “Hemle,” Biyong spots an 8-2 record with just a couple of decisions to his credit. The Cameroonian is now scheduled to take on Dragos Zubco on the upcoming Bellator 287 card. Biyong spent most of his career in Italy, where he trained at the X1 Boxing Genova team before moving to Germany’s UFD Gym in search of quality sparring partners.

Biyong started his MMA journey in his late twenties but showcased exponential growth each time he competed. Initially, Biyong relied mostly on his extraordinary physicality, outmuscling his opponents before finishing them with ponderous strikes. Over time, he learned to manage his strength by implementing better technique. Six of his victories have come inside the distance, and he even proved that he has enough cardio to compete in the championship rounds when he stopped Fabio Russo in the fourth round of their Slam FC 12 affair. In the first phase of his career, “Hemle” had some vulnerabilities on the canvas, but he has worked to improve his grappling game over the years.



In his first year as a professional, Biyong fought four times, collecting three straight victories and a sole defeat. The loss came at the hands of Ernesto Papa, arguably the best Italian light heavyweight at the time, during the Luctor 2018 event. On that occasion, Papa forced Biyong to tap to a rear-naked choke after 54 seconds. Having learned a precious lesson the hard way, Biyong bounced back with a dominant performance over Russo. It was just the beginning of a phenomenal year for Biyong, who fought on three continents in the span of 10 months. Interestingly, he captured the championship in South Africa’s Extreme Fighting Championship at EFC 82 and made a fantastic promotional debut in Rizin Fighting Federation, where he punished Vitaly Shemetov with punches until his foe tapped.

A Cameroonian colossus craters RIZIN's No. 1 fan, as Simon Biyong (7-1) bullies Vitaly Shemetov from mount to force a merciful, second-round stoppage in his company debut. EFC's reigning light heavy rides four straight finishes and six total, each by knockout. #RIZIN20 #RIZINFF pic.twitter.com/ilqoxxJgmO

— KyleJohnson (@VonPreux) December 31, 2019

Following a hiatus due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Biyong signed with Bellator, but he dropped a decision to short-notice replacement Christian Edwards at Bellator 261 in June 2021. It was the first time Biyong had competed in the United States, and he felt he didn’t show off all his arsenal. He managed to display his vast array of skills against up-and-coming Luke Trainer at Bellator 281, taking home a sweet decision victory. Biyong is in his prime at the moment, and each fight is crucial if he wants to move up the rankings fast.