UFC Fight Night 243 took place Saturday, and MMA Junkie provided live round-by-round coverage and official results throughout the event. UFC Fight Night 243 took place at Accor Arena in Paris.
In the main event, Renato Moicano (20-5-1 MMA, 12-5 UFC) took on French lightweight standout Benoit Saint Denis (13-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC). In the co-feature, Brendan Allen (24-6 MMA, 12-3 UFC) met Nassourdine Imavov (15-4 MMA, 7-2 UFC) at middleweight.
Check our round-by-round updates and official results below.
Enjoy the fights, everyone.
UFC Paris lineup
MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 3 p.m. ET)
- Renato Moicano def. Benoit Saint Denis via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 2, 5:00
- Nassourdine Imavov def. Brendan Allen via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- William Gomis def. Joanderson Brito via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Bryan Battle def. Kevin Jousset via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:47
- Morgan Charriere def. Gabriel Miranda via knockout (punch) – Round 2, 0:27
- Fares Ziam def. Matt Frevola via knockout (knee) – Round 3, 2:59
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, noon ET)
- Ion Cutelaba def. Ivan Erslan via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
- Oumar Sy def. Da Woon Jung via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Ludovit Klein def. Roosevelt Roberts via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Taylor Lapilus def. Vince Morales via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Ailin Perez def. Darya Zheleznyakova via submission (arm triangle choke) – Round 1, 3:52
- Daniel Barez def. Victor Altamirano via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Jacqueline Cavalcanti def. Nora Cornolle via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
- Chris Duncan def. Bolaji Oki via technical submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 3:34
Renato Moicano vs. Benoit Saint Denis
Round 1 – No glove touch to start the main event. Moicano pressures forward with a leg kick. Saint Denis kicks to the body, but gets it caught. Moicano gets the takedown and starts working from half guard. Saint Denis gets back to guard. Saint Denis kicks Moicano off, but gives up his back as he tries to scramble to the feet. Moicano locks in a body triangle, and keeps it as Saint Denis turns. Moicano busts him open with big punches. Saint Denis turns again, but the punches keep raining down. He’s painting the canvas now. Elbows from Moicano now. Saint Denis regains full guard, though. In a scramble to his feet, Saint Denis gives up the back again. Moicano with another body triangle. He’s back to raining down more big punches. One minute to go. More strikes from the top by Moicano until the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8 for Moicano.
Round 2 – They touch ’em up, and the swelling on Saint Denis’ face is severe. Moicano connects with a punch. Saint Denis fires a few single punches, just out of range. A head kick gets blocked by Moicano. Saint Denis controls the center, with Moicano patiently looking for counters. Midway through the round, the crowd chants for Saint Denis as Moicano stay light on his feet, circling the cage. Saint Denis connects with a 1-2. Moicano shoots, but gets stuffed. They exchange more punches, and Moicano closes in to clinch. Saint Denis gets free, and wow, his right eye looks completely swollen shut now. Moicano blocks a head kick.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Saint Denis.
Between rounds, the doctor checked on Saint Denis’ vision. Saint Denis failed the vision test out of his right eye and the fight was stopped.
Result: Renato Moicano def. Benoit Saint Denis via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 2, 5:00
Recap: UFC Fight Night 243 results: Benoit Saint Denis can’t see after brutal Renato Moicano beatdown
Photos: UFC Fight Night 243: Best photos from Paris
Records: Moicano (20-5-1 MMA, 12-5 UFC), Saint Denis (13-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Brendan Allen vs. Nassourdine Imavov
Round 1 – No glove touch here. Allen looks for a right hand, and then gets a big takedown in the center of the cage. Working from side control, Allen keeps a tight posture, and gets in a knee to the body as the referee calls for action. The crowd boos as well, but Allen continues his approach. Allen looks for the mount pass, but ends up in half guard. Two minutes to go, and Herb Dean calls for action again. Allen looks for an elbow as Imavov gets to full guard. Allen postures up and lands a right hand. Imavov tries to kick Allen away, but he comes back in with another punch. Dean calls for action again as the time ticks away. Imavov gives up his back as Allen stands.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Allen.
Round 2 – Allen comes out firing a 1-2, but gets poked in the eye. The fight is paused just 8 seconds into the round. After a short pause, they’re back to it, and Allen is in on a single leg. Imavov defends this attempt nicely, sprawling off to the side with a half nelson grip. He ops to let Allen back to his feet, and they exchange punches. Allen shoots again, but Imavov defends it again just like the previous attempt. Allen gives up his back, and Imavov rains down punches. Allen rolls to his back as the crowd livens. Imavov keeps offering big punches from the top. Allen scrambles to his feet and they’re just unloading on each other. Big strikes from both, but Imavov gets the better of the exchange. Allen shoots in and is stuffed again. Imavov threatens a front choke, prompting Allen to scramble. Imavov ends up in full mount. Allen gives up the back. Imavov looks for an armbar in short time, which results in Allen in top position right at the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Imavov.
Round 3 – Allen comes across quickly with leg kicks. Imavov answers with a combo upstairs. Allen shoots, but is denied the single leg attempt. Imavov takes top position and lands a few strikes. Allen scrambles up to his feet into another clinch. Imavov reverses control and lands a combo on the exit. Another series of punches land for Imavov. Allen looks for another takedown, but it’s not there. They end up clinched along the fence. Allen gets in a solid short elbow and a couple of punches as they transition into another clinch. Just 30 seconds to go and they trade punches. Another labored takedown isn’t there for Allen, and they swing until the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Imavov, giving him the fight 29-28.
Result: Nassourdine Imavov def. Brendan Allen via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap: UFC Fight Night 243 results: Nassourdine Imavov stifles Brendan Allen’s grappling, calls for title shot
Photos: UFC Fight Night 243: Best photos from Paris
Records: Allen (24-6 MMA, 12-3 UFC), Imavov (15-4 MMA, 7-2 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Sal D’Amato, David Lethaby, Anders Ohlsson
Joanderson Brito vs. William Gomis
Round 1 – They open the action exchanging single strikes, and Brito closes the distance for the clinch. He gets Gomis to the ground, but rushes the movement and gets reversed. Gomis works from top guard, focusing on control by pulling Brito from the fence. Brito rolls for an armbar, but Gomis is aware to prevent it. Brito scrambles to his feet, though. The clinch battle continues against the fence, taking turns controlling the position. One minute to go. Gomis adds a few knees to the thigh. They separate with 30 seconds to go, and Brito starts letting his strikes fly. He clips Gomis, who shoots in, but gets caught in a guillotine.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Brito.
Round 2 – Brito comes out aggressively with punches. He gets the clinch, and then the takedown within the first minute. Brito starts working for a submission. The arm triangle is there and he puts the squeeze on. Gomis gives a thumbs up, but he’s not addressing the choke, just waiting for Brito to give up on it. Brito does just that, and looks for punches while Gomis returns to his feet. With just under 2 minutes, they separate, but Brito stays in close range, firing hooks. Brito clinches again against the cage. Gomis gets in a couple of knees to exit. Just 30 seconds left. Both offer strikes until the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Brito.
Round 3 – Gomis connects with a hard kick to the body to start. A left hand lands not far behind it. Brito, circling to his left, lands a body kick. Gomis cracks with a punch, giving Brito pause. Another left connects for Gomis. Brito lands a powerful inside leg kick, causing Gomis to stumble forward into a clinch. Nothing comes of it, and they’re back to circling and trading strikes. Brito gets a hold of Gomis, looking for a single leg with two minutes remaining. Gomis threatens a front choke, but it allows Brito to power through to complete the takedown. Gomis gets back to a knee, and Brito controls the back, while landing a few punches. Gomis gets his back against the fence and slaps on another front choke. Brito spins out, and Gomis takes top position on the ground. Brito gets up quickly, and they exchange one last time before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Gomis, but the fight goes to Brito, 29-28.
Result: William Gomis def. Joanderson Brito via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Recap: UFC Fight Night 243 results: William Gomis gets nod over Joanderson Brito in Paris
Photos: UFC Fight Night 243: Best photos from Paris
Records: Brito (17-4-1 MMA, 5-2 UFC), Gomis (14-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Rich Mitchell
Judging: Ben Cartlidge (29-28), Anders Ohlsson (28-29), Clemens Werner (29-28)
Bryan Battle vs. Kevin Jousset
Round 1 – They don’t waste any time getting into the first exchanges. Battle clinches after a combination, looking to drag Jousset to the mat. Jousset does well to keep things standing, and elbows to the head. Battle adjusts to maintain position. Midway through the round, they separate. Battle fires off a combination. Jousset answers with a sharp left. Battle comes forward, clinching again. Jousset hits a nice toss, but Battle pops up back into the clinch. A nice short uppercut gets in close for Battle. He gets the Thai clinch, but it’s Jousset landing well. They separate and Jousset keeps connecting with big punches. Battle resets and unloads a series of punches before a clinch.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Jousset.
Round 2 – Right back into it quickly with punching exchanges. Jousset gets the better of it. Battle responds with a solid combo. Jousset resets, but Battle closes in and connects again. Battle clinches again, but they separate quickly. Still in the phone booth, they trade punches. Now they’re both just spamming punches. Both are connecting. This pace is wild. Jousset steps back. Battle comes in with another left. Jousset responds with a nice 1-2. Another combo for Battle. A couple of two-punch combos land cleanly for Battle. Jousset fires back, but Battle keeps boxing him up. The referee warns Jousset to fight back. Battle keeps the barrage of sharp punches going. There it is! A standing TKO stoppage for Battle!
Result: Bryan Battle def. Kevin Jousset via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:47
Recap: UFC Fight Night 243 video: Bryan Battle stops Kevin Jousset, riles up French fans during interview
Photos: UFC Fight Night 243: Best photos from Paris
Records: Battle (11-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC), Jousset (10-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Morgan Charriere vs. Gabriel Miranda
Round 1 – Charriere grabs Miranda’s leg after a kick exchange, but lets it go. Miranda comes in and clinches into the fence. Charriere reverses the position and gets in a couple of short punches. Miranda looks for the trip, but can’t get it. A moment later, Miranda goes for a flying armbar, but Charriere is wise to it. Charriere backs away and they’re back to exchanging. Charriere successfully shoots in. Miranda gets back to his feet, and offers a few wild strikes. He shoots in now, and pulls guard. Miranda scrambles, ending up on Charriere’s back, hunting for a rear-naked choke. Charriere shakes free, and lets his opponent up. Miranda kicks to the head, and lands a right hand before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Miranda.
Round 2 – Charriere evades a punch and clinches, pushing Miranda forward. Charriere releases the hold as Miranda tries for a back judo trip, and blasts Miranda with a huge left hook! Miranda crashes to the canvas! One extra right hand and it’s all over! What a knockout by Charriere!
Result: Morgan Charriere def. Gabriel Miranda via knockout (punch) – Round 2, 0:27
Recap: UFC Fight Night 243 video: Morgan Charriere crumples Gabriel Miranda with big left hook
Photos: UFC Fight Night 243: Best photos from Paris
Records: Charriere (20-10-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Miranda (17-7 MMA, 1-2 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Matt Frevola vs. Fares Ziam
Round 1 – They touch gloves and get to the action. Frevola looks for a left hand while Ziam front kicks to the face. Frevola closes the distance in a clinch but gets shaken off. Ziam puts together a nice combination, getting Frevola’s attention. Frevola shoots in again and gets the takedown. Frevola gets in a guillotine, rolling over into mount. The choke looks deep! Ziam gets his head out though. Frevola looks for an armbar as Ziam scrambles. Ziam gets out and unloads heavy punches from the top. Frevola gets up to his feet, but Ziam keeps the clinch. They separate and Ziam starts to let his hands go. Frevola is hurt! He turns to circle away, but Ziam gives chase. Another right connects. He then rips a left to the body. Frevola clinches. With just a few seconds to go, they separate and exchange again before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Ziam.
Round 2 – Frevola comes out with punches. Ziam leaps with a flying knee, just missing the target. Ziam then connects with a fast punching combo. He then adds a kick to the next combination. Frevola misses with a looping hook, but gets the clinch. Ziam gets away, and puts together a few solid punches before coming in for a clinch of his own. Frevola charges forward on the exit, but can’t connect. Ziam lands a solid left. A fast combination from Ziam now. Big takedown from Ziam, and he’s on the back of Frevola with a rear-naked choke! Frevola gets out of the choke, but Ziam punches from the back until the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Ziam.
Round 3 – Ziam gets an early takedown after an opening exchange. Frevola gets to his feet, but the clinch continues. Ziam adjusts and gets it back to the ground in guard. Frevola scrambles, gets to his knees, and looks for a single leg. Ziam reverses for his own single leg gets the fight down, but Frevola threatens an armlock to counter. The scramble is on, but Frevola gets lifted and dumped. He’s back to his feet quickly, but Ziam controls the back. Ziam frames the head as Frevola turns into him, and BANG! A huge right knee to the face puts Frevola out cold! What a finish!
Result: Fares Ziam def. Matt Frevola via knockout (knee) – Round 3, 2:59
Recap: UFC Fight Night 243 video: Fares Ziam’s knee flattens Matt Frevola for KO of the Year contender
Photos: UFC Fight Night 243: Best photos from Paris
Records: Frevola (11-5-1 MMA, 5-5-1 UFC), Ziam (16-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Loic Porta
Ion Cutelaba vs. Ivan Erslan
Round 1 – No glove touch, just straight to the feel-out process. Cutelaba gets the action going with a few single punches. Erslan unloads a fast, powerful combo as Cutelaba closes the distance. They reset, and Cutelaba closes in with punches. Again, Erslan lands a solid counter. Cutelaba changes levels, but Erslan easily denies it. Cutelaba lands a punch and Erslan stumbles as he steps backward. Erslan gathers himself and returns to the middle. Cutelaba gets a takedown, but can’t keep the fight on the ground. The clinch battle is on against the cage. They separate, and Cutelaba gets back to coming forward with punches. Erslan stands his ground and returns fire, but doesn’t connect cleanly.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Cutelaba.
Round 2 – They trade punches as they move about the cage. Erslan lands a nice counter, and Cutelaba looks hurt. Oh, nope. He was playing possum, and stops the game, laughing when Erslan didn’t rush in. They’re back to exchanging. Erslan clinches, but nothing comes of it. Cutelaba shoots in now. It’s defended well initially, but Cutelaba adjusts, kicks the leg out, and takes the back. Cutelaba looks for a rear-naked choke, but Erslan scrambles out and gets back to his feet. He keeps the clinch battle going, though. One minute left. Cutelaba looks for a trip, and then gets a takedown in the center of the cage. Cutelaba ends up on the back momentarily, but Erslan scrambles to top position in full guard.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Cutelaba.
Round 3 – Erslan stalks forward. Cutelaba lands a nice counter and then shoots in. Erslan counters with a guillotine, but it’s not there. However, Erslan takes the fight down, ending up on top in guard. Erslan gets in a couple of short strikes. He stands up and comes right back down with a solid right hand. Cutelaba tries to scramble up, but Erslan keeps top control. Cutelaba looks to isolate an arm, which allows him enough space to scramble up. Erslan stays attached, though, and gets him back down to a knee. One minute left. Erslan punches as Cutelaba gets top his feet. Now Cutelaba reverses and looks for the takedown.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Erslan, but the fight goes to Cutelaba 29-28.
Result: Ion Cutelaba def. Ivan Erslan via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 243: Best photos from Paris
Records: Cutelaba (18-10-1 MMA, 7-9-1 UFC), Erslan (14-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Damien Gluski (28-29), Anders Ohlsson (29-28), Clemens Werner (29-28)
Da Woon Jung vs. Oumar Sy
Round 1 – They touch ’em up and begin feeling-out the range. Sy starts with a leg kick as the crowd chants his name. Two more kicks to the leg from Sy. Two more outside kicks by Sy find their mark. Jung comes forward with a pair of punches, but Sy easily steps out of range. Sy fires off strikes, jumping in with a flying knee, and gets clipped by a hard counter right hand by Jung. Sy shoots for a takedown and gets the fight to the mat. Jung gets his back to the fence and works up. Jung misses with an overhand, and Sy looks for another single leg. Jung denies the attempt, and they’re back to striking exchanges. Jung is starting to come forward more now, and lands a nice right hand. Sy responds with a leg kick.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Jung.
Round 2 – Sy starts the round with a few leg kicks. In the center of the cage, they’re trading single strikes. Jung rips a right hand down the pipe that just misses the mark. Sy answers with a right hand of his own. The single strike exchanges continue midway through the round. Sy peppers out a jab. Sy looks for a clinch, but Jung punches his way out. A front kick to the body by Sy. More jabs from Sy. Kicks to the body now. Things heat up in a wild exchange. Sy lands a sharp 1-2. The crowd is coming alive. Sy lands another clean combination! His momentum is strong in the closing seconds of the round. Sy unloads strikes until the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Sy.
Round 3 – Sy gets back to leading the exchanges behind his left jab and kicks. Sy puts more power into a leg kick, and follows with a snappy left hand. Jung starts to come forward and eats a right hand. Jung front kicks to the body. Jung doubles up the jab as he charges forward and Sy circles away from danger. Sy then comes forward with a head kick. A leg kick for Sy. Jung shoots for a takedown, but gets denied. Sy reverses the clinch, controlling along the fence. One minute left. Sy gets the takedown. Jung threatens a kimura counter, but Sy escapes it and scrambles to the back as Jung tries to stand. Sy gets too high, and Jung takes control, but there’s the final horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Sy, giving him the fight 29-28.
Result: Oumar Sy def. Da Woon Jung via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 243: Best photos from Paris
Records: Jung (15-6-1 MMA, 4-4-1 UFC), Sy (11-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Rich Mitchell
Judging: Ben Cartlidge, Sal D’Amato, David Lethaby
Ludovit Klein vs. Roosevelt Roberts
Round 1 – They touch gloves, and Klein fires a hard inside leg kick. Roberts responds with one of his own. Klein offers a head kick. Roberts lands a right hand. Another head kick from Klein. Roberts charges ahead with a pair of punches. They exchange kicks and Klein starts a clinch. Roberts defends well against the cage, prompting Klein to give up on the attempt, but he gets in a couple of punches on the exit. They trade punches in the center, with Klein landing a nice elbow. Roberts lands a nice knee just before another clinch by Klein. A minute to go, and the clinch battle against the fence is on. Roberts shakes free, but comes right back in with a takedown attempt. It’s not there, and they trade strikes.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Klein.
Round 2 – They exchange punches to start the round. Roberts kicks, but gets it caught and is taken to the ground. Klein comes in to take top position close to the fence. Roberts has his legs up, threatening an armbar or triangle. Klein stays cautious, and works into full guard. Short elbows and punches to the body by Klein. Midway through the round now. Klein moves to half guard. More punches from the top. Klein gets to side control momentarily, but Roberts regains guard. Klein stays heavy with strikes from the top, racking up solid control time.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Klein.
Round 3 – The final round begins with striking exchanges in the center. Roberts lands a solid right hand, prompting a hard kick in return by Klein. Roberts’ punch busted open a cut over Klein’s left eye. A moment later, Klein shoots win with a well-timed takedown. A hard elbow from the top by Klein as he controls on the mat. Three minutes left. Klein tries to control the back as Roberts stands up. Roberts slaps on a ninja choke out of nowhere, and Klein quickly spins out. Roberts looks for a takedown now. Klein reverses the clinch, lifts, and dumps Roberts to the mat. One minute to go, and Klein is back on top. Roberts is active here with punches and elbows from his back. Klein responds with strikes from the top until the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Klein, giving him the fight 30-27.
Result: Ludovit Klein def. Roosevelt Roberts via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 243: Best photos from Paris
Records: Klein (23-4-1 MMA, 7-2-1 UFC), Roberts (12-5 MMA, 4-5 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Christophe Chapuis
Judging: Ludovic Dandine (30-27), Anders Ohlsson (29-28), Clemens Werner (29-28)
Taylor Lapilus vs. Vince Morales
Round 1 – They start to feel out the range, as the crowd roars for Lapilus. A fast left head kick from Lapilus starts things off. Morales circles on the outside looking for his openings. Lapilus catches a kick and fires a punch, taking Morales off his feet. He pops back up and they start exchanging punches. The crowd chants are loud. Lapilus steps in with a nice kick to the body. Morales gets in a nice front kick to the body. Inside leg kick from Lapilus. More chants from the French crowd as they exchange punches in the center. The atmosphere is turning up. A slick step-in knee connects from Lapilus. A combination behind it, and Morales is busted open on his right eye. Another step-in knee catches Morales cleanly.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Lapilus.
Round 2 – Lapilus works behind a right jab, putting together nice combinations. A left kick to the body gets in for Lapilus, but Morales catches it, and gets a takedown. Lapilus gets up quickly as the crowd continues their chants. Morales keeps the clinch battle goings, and gets in a nice knee to the body. Lapilus finds a home for a couple of solid short elbows. They’re back in the center now, with Lapilus leading the way with strikes. Lapilus takes himself off his feet after a kick, but quickly bounces up before Morales can capitalize. Lapilus times a beautiful step-in knee to the face. Somehow, Morales just eats it and waves him in. There’s a level change from Morales, taking the single leg attempt into the fence. He bails on it at the 10-second marker, and they exchange once again before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Lapilus.
Round 3 – Morales comes out quickly looking for a takedown. He gets a single leg, taking Lapilus down for a split second. Lapilus gets up and escapes the clinch. They’re back to the center, and Lapilus fires punches. Lapilus continues to lead the exchanges, but Morales lands a flush right hand. Two minutes to go now. Lapilus fires a left hand with a step-in knee to the body behind it. The knee lands well, but Morales gets a hold of a single leg and takes the fight to the mat. Morales wraps up the legs from the top, but Lapilus stays calm and gets back to his feet. Under a minute remaining, and Morales turns up the pressure with punches. Intense exchanges here. Lapilus clinches for a moment, then lets punches and a spinning backfist fly before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Lapilus, giving him the fight 30-27.
Result: Taylor Lapilus def. Vince Morales via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 243: Best photos from Paris
Records: Lapilus (21-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC), Morales (16-8 MMA, 3-6 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: Mongi Zitouni, Ben Cartlidge, David Lethaby
Ailin Perez vs. Darya Zheleznyakova
Round 1 – Zheleznyakova comes out controlling the center, offering punches. Perez initiates a clinch, but can’t keep a hold. Perez throws a high kick, but Zheleznyakova catches it, pushes her to the ground, and takes top position on the mat. Perez defends well on the mat and gets up quickly. Zheleznyakova gets taken down. Perez is in full mount. Zheleznyakova quickly gets back to half guard as Perez gets in a few short punches. Perez hunts for the arm triangle. It’s getting tight! Woah! Fast tap by Zheleznyakova! Perez gets up and twerks in Zheleznyakova’s face.
Result: Ailin Perez def. Darya Zheleznyakova via submission (arm triangle choke) – Round 1, 3:52
Recap: UFC Fight Night 243 results: Ailin Perez submits Darya Zheleznyakova in Round 1, twerks in her face
Photos: UFC Fight Night 243: Best photos from Paris
Records: Perez (11-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC), Zheleznyakova (9-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Women’s bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Victor Altamirano vs. Daniel Barez
Round 1 – Low kicks offered early from both as they feel out the range. Altamirano charges forward with a left hand. Barez punches to the body. BANG! A big right hand from Barez floors Altamirano! He swarms for the finish but Altamirano gets a hold of him. Wow. Altamirano survives the onslaught but is still on bottom in full guard. Barez opts to stand and they’re back to striking on the feet. Altamirano misses with a spinning kick. Another nice punch to the body from Barez. Altamirano answers with a head kick. Barez keeps stalking forward. Altamirano fires off a pair of head kicks. The striking battle continues with single offerings, mostly kicks from Altamirano. Barez charges forward with a pair of punches.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Barez.
Round 2 – Altamirano starts with a head kick. Barez controls the center as Altamirano continues to keep him at range with front kicks to the body. Altamirano unloads a fast combo as Barez attempts to close the distance. Barez steps in with a solid right hand. Altamirano gets back to his kicking offense from the outside. Altamirano stays light on his feet, bouncing around as he fires off left kicks. Barez steps in with a right hand. Altamirano kicks again. Barez cracks with a solid punch and Altamirano stumbles backward.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Barez.
Round 3 – Barez gets back to his forward pressure of punches, while Altamirano throws the left kick to the body. A head kick from Altamirano is blocked. Barez charges ahead with a 1-2. He repeats the combo, but Altamirano catches him cleanly with a spinning backfist, dropping Barez to a knee! Altamirano turns up the pressure. Barez resets and keeps his defense sharp. It appears he rearannged Barez’s nose with that backfist. Altamirano adds more left kicks. A superman punch from Altamirano gets in. A wild wheel kick from Altamirano catches air. Barez lands a nice left hand. Barez drops Altamirano with a punch!
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Altamirano, but the fight goes to Barez, 29-28.
Result: Daniel Barez def. Victor Altamirano via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 243: Best photos from Paris
Records: Altamirano (12-5 MMA, 2-4 UFC), Barez (17-6 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Rich Mitchell
Judging: Ludovic Dandine, David Lethaby, Clemens Werner
Jacqueline Cavalcanti vs. Nora Cornolle
Round 1 – They touch gloves and begin sizing each other up. The action starts with exchanges of leg kicks as they settle in. Cavalcanti adds a couple of punches upstairs as she controls the center. Cornolle throws an overhand right and charges forward into a clinch. The crowd starts to chant as they work against the cage. Cornolle knees to the thigh and gets the back trip. Cornolle steps over into full mount, but Cavalcanti sweeps beautifully to reverse. They’re back on the feet, and Cavalcanti comes forward with kicks and punches. Cornolle fires off a few strikes to answer. A front kick from Cornolle in a wild exchange before the horn.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Cornolle.
Round 2 – Cavalcanti pressures forward, Cornolle throws a few wild strikes, including a spinning attack. They trade leg kicks, then Cornolle adds a head kick. Cavalcanti fires a hard right hand straight down the pipe! Another big punch from Cavalcanti connects and Cornolle is rocked badly! Cavalcanti turns up the pressure, but stays patient. Cornolle appears recovered now and gets the clinch. Cornolle gets her down for a second, but Cavalcanti pops up. The clinch continues. Huge fence grab from Cavalcanti prevents the takedown. The ref just slaps her hand away, but that clearly prevented a takedown. Anyway, the clinch battle continues. They separate for a moment, but they’re right back into another clinch. Cornolle gets in a couple of short knees and elbows. Cavalcanti punches to respond.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Cavalcanti.
Round 3 – Cavalcanti gets back on the forward pressure for the first exchanges of the round. Cornolle initiates a clinch, taking the fight to the fence, but Cavalcanti quickly reverses and releases. Cavalcanti starts putting together fast punching combos, keeping Cornolle on her back foot. She circles out and starts firing back. Cavalcanti gets the better of the exchanges with cleaner punches. A frustrated Cornolle turns and yells at her coaches. Cavalcanti looks to land more punches, but Cornolle grabs a clinch. Cavalcanti escapes and leads the final exchanges.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Cavalcanti, giving her the fight 29-28.
Result: Jacqueline Cavalcanti def. Nora Cornolle via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 243: Best photos from Paris
Records: Cavalcanti (8-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC), Cornolle (8-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Division: Women’s bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Christophe Chapuis
Judging: Mongi Zitouni (28-29), Sal D’Amato (29-28), Anders Ohlsson (29-28)
Chris Duncan vs. Bolaji Oki
Round 1 – They touch ’em up and the crowd roars for the start of the card. Oki looks for a quick punching combo. Duncan offers a calf kick. Oki peppers out the jab, and catches a kick from Duncan. He powers through for a takedown, but doesn’t go down to the ground with him. They’re back up and trading punches. Duncan grabs a standing guillotine, and Oki counters with a takedown. Duncan gets up quickly and they’re back to exchanging punches. Oki unloads a series of hard punches! Duncan covers up and escapes the barrage. Oki charges in again, but Duncan jumps on another guillotine. This one is really tight. They go to the ground! Oki is struggling here! Duncan lets go of the hold. But wait! Just when Duncan goes to punch, he realizes Oki is asleep! Woah! What a wild finish to start the show.
Result: Chris Duncan def. Bolaji Oki via technical submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 3:34
Recap:
Photos: UFC Fight Night 243: Best photos from Paris
Records: Duncan (12-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC), Oki (9-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Loic Pora
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 243.
