Malick Sylla

At a glance

• Color analyst for ARES on Canal+, including ARES 43 in September 2026
• Former pro fighter, guest on Le Podcast Les Anciens in November 2025
• Describes himself as a trainer, manager and MMA “storyteller”

Overview

Malick Sylla is the MMA color analyst for ARES Fighting Championship broadcasts on French network Canal+. He works alongside play by play man Sébastien Heulot, with Pauline Sanzey and Marine Clerc hosting and reporting cageside. He was on the call for ARES 43, for example, held at the Adidas Arena in Paris in September 2026.

Before the microphone, he was a professional fighter. In November 2025 he told his story, from fighting to Canal+, on the Podcast Les Anciens. He now describes himself as a trainer, a manager and an MMA “storyteller”, with ties to Fighting Beat and Canal+ Sport Afrique.

What you'll find

On ARES nights, Sylla handles the technical read while Heulot calls the action. He explains why an exchange is swinging one way, what a corner should fix between rounds and how a game plan is taking shape. The broadcasts air on Canal+ Sport 360 and the myCanal app under a deal that runs through 2027.

Off air, he works as a trainer and manages fighters. His Instagram account shares his TV appearances, his work around Fighting Beat and his take on the MMA scene in France and in Africa.

Why follow

Sylla analyzes fights as a former competitor who has also handled careers. When he breaks down a bout, he factors in fight camp, weight management, the corner's role and career stakes, things you cannot see from the couch.

The word “storyteller” fits the way he works: he puts each fighter in the context of their path and explains what is at stake in the cage. His ties to Canal+ Sport Afrique also give you a window on the French speaking African MMA scene, which few analysts in France cover. For a fan tracking ARES, he is a good way to learn about fighters before they reach the big international promotions, which is useful when you scout prospects.

MMA Official's take

This is for fans who watch ARES on Canal+, understand French and want to know what is going on beyond the strikes. Start with the November 2025 episode of the Podcast Les Anciens, where he tells his story. Then watch the ARES 43 replay on myCanal to hear him in the booth with Heulot on a big night in Paris.