Kurtis Campbell vs. Trevor Peek: Both fighters seek to rebound at UFC Paris
Unbeaten British fighter Kurtis Campbell takes on American Trevor Peek at UFC Paris on Saturday, with Campbell chasing his first promotional win after a March debut loss and Peek returning after a nearly two-year injury layoff.
From being bullied at school to the UFC
According to the BBC, 24-year-old Liverpool fighter Kurtis Campbell began training in combat sports at age seven, after his parents Jay and Michelle enrolled him in Muay Thai classes when they saw how badly bullying at primary school was affecting him. Campbell describes himself as an underachiever academically, but he progressed quickly in the sport, winning his first international Muay Thai title at 15 and later claiming five titles across three weight classes with the Full Contact Contender (FCC) promotion. He earned his UFC contract in September 2025 after a dominant win over Demba Seck on Dana White's Contender Series.
First loss of his career
Campbell entered the UFC undefeated at 8-0 but suffered the first professional loss of his career in March against American Danny Silva. The BBC describes it as a TKO defeat, while MMA Sucka specifies that Silva knocked him out just 31 seconds into the second round — Campbell's first defeat of any kind since December 2018, when he lost to fellow Liverpudlian Liam McCracken on the amateur circuit. Campbell insists the setback won't derail him: "One little hiccup in the road means nothing to me."
Peek's difficult road back
Trevor Peek, 31, of Tennessee, last fought in September 2024 at UFC Vegas 97, losing a decision to Yanal Ashmouz. As he told Fightwave (cited by MMA Mania and boxingnews.com), the nearly two years since were plagued by injuries: he fractured his left leg preparing for UFC Des Moines, then tore his ACL, MCL and meniscus while preparing for UFC Nashville. "It was hell for a little bit... I was lost for a little bit, trying to figure out if it was my time to be done fighting," Peek said, adding that he spent much of his rehab hunting whitetail deer. He has since reunited with longtime coach Jeff Powell and will fight at featherweight for the first time, believing his previous two losses stemmed from attempts to tone down his natural aggression while training at ONYX in Colorado.
Prediction and odds
According to MMA Junkie, the bout is part of UFC Paris (UFC Fight Night 287) at the Accor Arena, with Campbell a heavy betting favorite at -420 against Peek's +310. The outlet's analyst predicts a competitive decision win for Campbell.
