The Rise of Franc: Senegal’s Unbeaten Wrestling Star
At 32 or 33 years traditional, Émile François Gomis, known as Franc, dominates the national wrestling scene with an impressive 15-0 record since turning professional in 2013. Affiliated with the Jambaar Wrestling stable, he’s often seen as the lieutenant to the reigning “King of the Arenas,” Modou Lo. However, many now view him as a serious contender for the throne.
An Unblemished Record in a Brutal Sport
Franc’s 15 victories in 15 fights is a remarkably rare feat in Senegalese wrestling, a discipline where even a small mistake can be costly. This invincibility even surpasses that of his mentor, Modou Lo, during Lo’s early career, fueling comparisons between the two.
Key Victories Propel Franc to the Top
Franc’s ascent accelerated with major wins against established figures in the arena. He has defeated Bombardier twice, proving his ability to compete with the most formidable heavyweights. On February 16, 2025, he dominated Ama Baldé in under two minutes, showcasing his technical superiority and tactical acumen. August 3, 2025, saw him triumph over Eumeu Sène, a symbolic victory solidifying his elite status.
A New Generation of Wrestler
Named the best wrestler of the 2024-2025 season by the ANPS, Franc embodies a new generation of wrestlers – disciplined, strategic and media-savvy.
Joal: A Breeding Ground for Champions
Hailing from Joal, a legendary city in Senegalese wrestling, Franc follows in the footsteps of great names from that region. As early as 2020, the legend Yékini predicted his rise, seeing him as a future leader of the arena. Before excelling in wrestling with striking, Franc honed his skills in basic wrestling, competing against high-level opponents like Oumar Kane. This dual expertise – grappling and striking – is one of his key strengths, encompassing mastery of holds, close-quarters combat, and the ability to quickly read opponents’ intentions.
A Complete Wrestler
Observers, like consultant Iba Kane, describe Franc as the most complete wrestler currently competing. His strength lies not only in his physical power but also in his ability to neutralize opponents without unnecessarily exposing himself. His style is clean, methodical, and precise.
Rigorous Training and Preparation
Franc relies on a structured training regimen combining weight training, endurance work, technical drills, and tactical pattern repetition. He alternates between intense strength training, sparring with striking, and specific drills on throws. Here’s supplemented by mental conditioning to maintain focus and composure, contributing significantly to his current invincibility.
The Student and the Master
Considered Modou Lo’s lieutenant, Franc has a fraternal yet competitive relationship with the current “King of the Arenas,” who has held the title since 2019. Officially allies within the same sporting dynamic, the two men represent coexisting generations.
Currently, Franc isn’t directly challenging his mentor’s reign. However, his consistent progress and growing aura raise a central question: can the student surpass the master?
Did you know?
Franc’s mentor, Moussa Dioum, passed away in 2024. He began his career at the Parcelles Mbollo stable, guided by Dioum, before Lato Sagna took over his technical direction.
FAQ
Q: How many fights has Franc won?
A: Franc has won all 15 of his professional fights.
Q: Who is Franc’s mentor?
A: Modou Lo is Franc’s mentor.
Q: Where is Franc from?
A: Franc is from Joal, Senegal.
Q: What is Franc’s wrestling style?
A: Franc’s style is described as clean, methodical, and precise.
Q: When did Franc defeat Eumeu Sène?
A: Franc defeated Eumeu Sène on August 3, 2025.
Q: What stable does Franc belong to?
A: Franc is affiliated with Jambaar Wrestling.
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