PALAIS NIKAIA DE NICE
ARES 37 Nice MMA: Watch Elite Fighters Live
Overview
ARES 37 brings the 2026 ARES Fighting Championship season opener to Nice, featuring elite European MMA athletes competing at the highest level.[1] This marquee event showcases the rising talent of French fighters on an international stage, with undefeated local champion Axel Sola headlining the card.[1] The evening promises over 6,000 spectators and world-class combat sports action broadcast on Canal+ Sport and international channels.[1]
The event represents a pivotal moment for MMA in France, establishing Nice as an essential hub for the sport while celebrating the generation of fighters trained on the Côte d'Azur.[1] Held at the Palais Nikaïa, one of the French Riviera's premier entertainment venues, ARES 37 delivers both spectacle and sporting excellence in an iconic setting.[1] 
Highlights
Season Opener Status: ARES 37 marks the official launch of the 2026 ARES Fighting Championship season, making it the marquee event that sets the tone for the entire year of elite MMA competition.
Undefeated Headliner: Axel Sola, winner of ARES 28 and undefeated in his professional career (9-0-1), headlines the card, representing the new generation of internationally recognized fighters trained on the Côte d'Azur.
Massive Live Audience: Over 6,000 spectators are expected to create an electric atmosphere at the Palais Nikaïa, delivering the energy and intensity that defines premium live MMA events.
Broadcast Distribution: The event airs on Canal+ Sport, Canal+ international channels, and PayPerView in English, bringing the action to millions of viewers across Europe and beyond.
European Fighter Caliber: The fight card brings together top-tier athletes from across Europe, showcasing the international level of competition that defines modern MMA in France.
French MMA Hub Status: Nice is establishing itself as an essential French MMA destination, highlighting the sport's rapid growth and the city's role in developing world-class fighting talent.
Know Before You Go
ARES 37 is held at the Palais Nikaïa in Nice, France, a premier 6,000+ capacity venue equipped for major sporting events. The event is open to spectators of all ages, though specific bag policies and entry procedures should be confirmed directly with the Palais Nikaïa prior to attendance. Tickets are available for individual purchase or group orders through the official ARES Fighting Championship website. Standard venue security protocols apply at entry. Early arrival is recommended due to expected high attendance. For international viewers, the event is available on PayPerView in addition to Canal+ Sport broadcasts.
Hot Tip
Arrive at least 45 minutes early to navigate security and find your seating, as the Palais Nikaïa typically experiences high traffic during major events. This timing ensures you won't miss the preliminary bouts and allows you to soak in the pre-fight atmosphere with the full crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Location
Meeting Point
PALAIS NIKAIA DE NICE Nice 06 FR
STADIUM DU PAYS D'AIX
Feb 07
6:00 PMStars Night MMA Event at Stadium du Pays d'Aix
Stars Night returns as a top Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and martial arts competition at the Stadium du Pays d'Aix in Vitrolles, attracting elite fighters and passionate fans. Known for showcasing thrilling bouts and high-level combat sports, this event is a highlight in the regional martial arts calendar.
Since its inception, Stars Night has grown in prestige, featuring some of the most skilled fighters in kickboxing and MMA circuits. The Stadium du Pays d'Aix, renowned for hosting diverse sporting events, offers modern facilities and an ideal atmosphere for such a high-energy competition.
ARENA DU PAYS D'AIX
Feb 28
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Founded as a platform to elevate French MMA, HEXAGONE MMA has built a reputation for producing intense matchups that combine technical skill and raw power. The ARENA DU PAYS D'AIX, inaugurated in 2017 with an 8,500-seat capacity, is renowned for its modern facilities and vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit venue for sports enthusiasts in the region.
ALLIANZ RIVIERA
July 21
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Originally launched in 2022, the After Hours Til Dawn Tour has traveled to countries across North America, Europe, South America, Australia, and beyond, establishing itself as one of the most-attended and highest-grossing concert tours in history, earning over $635 million within its first 100 concerts. The Allianz Riviera, Nice's premier stadium venue, provides the perfect backdrop for this spectacular production, having previously hosted The Weeknd's sold-out performances in 2023.
ALLIANZ RIVIERA
July 12
7:00 PMPitbull Live at Allianz Riviera Nice – Book Tickets Now
Pitbull's thrilling "I'M BACK!" tour arrives at Allianz Riviera in Nice, offering fans a dynamic pop music experience at this premier venue. Known for energetic performances and global hits, Pitbull keeps the party alive with new tracks and fan favorites.
Internationally acclaimed for blending pop, hip-hop, and dance, Pitbull—also known as Mr. Worldwide—has become synonymous with memorable live shows. Allianz Riviera, a modern stadium with over 36,000 seats, provides an ideal setting in the heart of Nice, renowned for its cutting-edge design and vibrant atmosphere.
Inalpi Arena
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8:00 PMTWICE This Is For World Tour in Turin 2026
TWICE brings their highly anticipated This Is For World Tour to Inalpi Arena in Turin, delivering a spectacular live concert experience that showcases their latest hits and fan-favorite tracks. As one of the most influential K-pop groups globally, TWICE continues to break records and captivate audiences with their dynamic performances and infectious energy.
Inalpi Arena, one of Italy’s premier indoor venues, is renowned for hosting major international acts and offering state-of-the-art acoustics and immersive fan experiences. This concert marks a rare opportunity for Italian fans to witness TWICE’s signature choreography and vibrant stage production up close.
PALAIS NIKAIA DE NICE
Dec 16
8:00 PMGIMS Concert Nice Dec 16 | Palais Nikaia Tickets
GIMS brings his explosive "Le Dernier Tour" (The Final Tour) to Palais Nikaia de Nice on December 16, 2025, marking an exceptional second show in the city due to unprecedented demand. The French rap sensation is extending his sold-out tour across France, with every city selling out, making this Nice encore an unmissable opportunity to witness one of hip-hop's most commanding performers live.
GIMS has established himself as a dominant force in French hip-hop and international rap, known for his powerful stage presence and chart-dominating tracks. Palais Nikaia de Nice stands as one of the Côte d'Azur's premier concert venues, offering an intimate yet grand setting for world-class musical performances in the heart of the French Riviera.
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4.9
(20 reviews)
Duration: 150
minutes
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5.0
(484 reviews)
Duration: 420
minutes
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This tour gives a real look into the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard. Expect to visit four different wine estates or castles. Each place offers something special and a chance to taste great wines. Guests will visit Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vineyards, Private Château, Rhône Valley, Family-Owned Estate, Traditional Provençal Restaurant, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Winery, Old Cellar and Châteauneuf-du-Pape Village.
The tour includes travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Please note that lunch is not included. This tour offers a great way to learn about and enjoy the famous wines of the Rhône Valley.
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5.0
(91 reviews)
Duration: 240
minutes
Experience a Private Boat Charter in the Bay of St Tropez. This is a fun, flexible way for your group of up to six people to see the beautiful sights around St Tropez! On this private tour aboard a 6.5m (21ft) boat, you get to decide where you want to go and what you want to do. If you prefer, the captain can suggest an itinerary for you. This isn't a fancy boat tour, but a chance for adventure on the water!
What can you expect? You might visit places like Port Grimaud, also known as 'The Little Venice of France,' with its pretty canals. Or, cruise by Baie de Canebiers, nicknamed 'Millionaires Bay,' to see amazing homes. The boat will stop so you can swim, snorkel, or try out the paddleboards. If you like a thrill, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and inflatable tubes are also available at no extra cost! Key stops may include the Port of St Tropez and Plage des Graniers.
This private boat tour includes the use of water sports equipment like wakeboards, water skis, paddleboards, inflatable tubes and snorkeling gear. It starts and ends at Marines de Cogolin. Keep in mind that fuel costs and food and drinks are not included. You're welcome to bring your own food and drinks to store in the boat's coolbox. For an extra fee, you can start the tour from St Tropez, St Maxime, or Port Grimaud.
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5.0
(139 reviews)
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minutes
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Avignon
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5.0
(23 reviews)
Duration: 240
minutes
Cooking Classes in Provence at La Belugue offers an immersive culinary experience in the heart of Provence. Guests are welcomed to an authentic 18th-century farmhouse in a charming Provencal village, where they'll discover the secrets of local cuisine and Provençal living. This is more than just a cooking class; it's a day of living like a local, surrounded by the beauty and flavors of the region.
At La Belugue, a local Provençal home cook will guide participants through a 3-hour cooking class in a traditional Provençal kitchen. Guests will learn the art of healthy, seasonal Provençal cooking, preparing classic dishes like Daube, Aioli, Gratin, Tian, and Légumes Farci. This hands-on experience is followed by a traditional French meal, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
After the cooking session, guests will gather around the farm table at La Belugue to savor their creations. This cooking class provides a unique opportunity to connect with local culture, learn traditional recipes, and enjoy the fruits of labor in a beautiful, authentic setting.
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4.9
(17 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
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