The UFC returned to France for UFC Fight Night 243, and in a thrilling evening filled with exhilarating fights and captivating moments, four standout performances earned their respective fighters a bonus of $50,000 each. Showcasing skill, striking power, and sheer determination, these athletes left their mark on the historical event taking place at the Accor Arena in Paris. Below, we delve into the highlights of the night, showcasing the fighters who took home extra cash for their remarkable accomplishments.
Kicking off the evening, Chris Duncan delivered an unexpected yet spectacular finish to Bolaji Oki through a technical submission via guillotine choke in the very first round. The moment was both electrifying and sobering. Duncan, who boasts a record of 12-2 in MMA and 3-1 in the UFC, initially did not even realize that he had finished the fight until he noticed Oki’s lack of response. It was a keen awareness that won him the match, as he locked Oki’s head and, although he briefly released the hold to throw punches, it became evident that Oki was out cold. This finish not only secured Duncan the performance bonus but also showcased his ground game, hinting at a bright future in the UFC.
Fares Ziam’s explosive victory over Matt Frevola in the night’s co-main event has made waves, quickly securing a place in the conversations surrounding possible Knockout of the Year candidates. After a tactical display of striking that saw Ziam dissect Frevola’s approach throughout the first two rounds, it was the knee strike towards the end of the third round that sent shockwaves through the arena. The raw power behind Ziam’s strike left Frevola unconscious instantly, solidifying his status as a fighter to watch. With a record now standing at 16-4 and 6-2 in the UFC, Ziam’s impressive display not only earned him a bonus but also elevated him among the ranks of the promotion’s rising stars.
Morgan Charriere’s electrifying knockout of Gabriel Miranda brought the Paris crowd to its feet with overwhelming excitement. The fast-paced nature of Charriere’s fighting style resonated well with the fans who were eager for a display of local prowess. His strategic move came when Miranda attempted to disengage from a clinch, only to be met with a powerful left hand that sent him crashing to the canvas. This decisive victory marked Charriere’s third consecutive fight earning a performance bonus, which is indicative of his capacity to thrill audiences and potential to become a top contender in the lightweight division.
In a striking contrast to the excitement generated by the local fighters, Bryan Battle entered the octagon and instantly turned the atmosphere to one of discord. Battling against home favorite Kevin Jousset, Battle achieved a TKO victory in the second round, effectively spoiling the celebration for the French audience. After his decisive finish, Battle took to the microphone and embraced the role of an antagonist, urging the crowd to continue booing him, which further heightened the dramatic tension of the evening. His willingness to embrace this role in the heat of the moment showcased not just his fighting skills but also a charismatic personality that distinguishes him as a memorable figure in the promotion.
UFC Fight Night 243 in Paris will be remembered not just for the fights but for the emotions they stirred. Each fighter who earned a bonus brought their unique flair and skill set to the octagon, contributing to an evening that celebrated the spirit of competition, delighting fans, and leaving lasting impressions. These performances highlighted the diverse talents within the UFC, opening discussions for future matchups and setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. As the promotion continues to expand its presence around the globe, nights like this reinforce the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts, where anything can happen, and champions are forged in moments of glory.