Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 15, 2024 5:40 am GMT
As UFC Fight Night 243 gears up for an electrifying evening in Paris, the tension among some of the best fighters in mixed martial arts (MMA) is palpable. Friday’s ceremonial weigh-ins at the Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, provided the perfect platform for these athletes to face off one last time before stepping into the Octagon. With high-stakes bouts in multiple divisions, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be a memorable event.
Big Matches Ahead
The spotlight will be on two significant matchups during the event. The main event features a lightweight bout between the No. 10 ranked Renato Moicano and the No. 12 ranked Benoît Saint Denis. Both fighters have been on the rise in their careers, and a victory could propel them into elite status within the highly competitive lightweight division.
Another key matchup sees No. 4 ranked Nassourdine Imavov take on No. 7 ranked Brendan Allen in the co-main event. This contest promises to be just as thrilling, featuring fighters eager to enhance their standing in the middleweight ranks.
Fight Details
Here’s a closer look at the main card for UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Saint Denis:
- Main Event – Lightweight Bout: Renato Moicano (156) vs Benoît Saint Denis (156)
- Co-Main Event – Middleweight Bout: Nassourdine Imavov (186) vs Brendan Allen (186)
- Featherweight Bout: William Gomis (146) vs Joanderson Brito (146)
- Welterweight Bout: Kevin Jousset (169) vs Bryan Battle (170)
- Featherweight Bout: Morgan Charriere (146) vs Gabriel Miranda (146)
- Lightweight Bout: Fares Ziam (156) vs Matt Frevola (156)
- Light Heavyweight Bout: Ion Cutelaba (205) vs Ivan Erslan (206)
- Light Heavyweight Bout: Oumar Sy (205) vs Da Woon Jung (205)
- Lightweight Bout: Ludovit Klein (155) vs Roosevelt Roberts (155)
- Bantamweight Bout: Taylor Lapilus (136) vs Vince Morales (135)
- Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Daria Zhelezniakova (135) vs Ailin Perez (136.5)*
- Flyweight Bout: Daniel Barez (125) vs Victor Altamirano (126)
- Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Nora Cornolle (136) vs Jacqueline Cavalcanti (135)
- Lightweight Bout: Bolaji Oki (156) vs Chris Duncan (156)
*Note: Ailin Perez weighed in above the bantamweight limit, forfeiting 20% of her purse to her opponent, but the fight proceeds as scheduled.
Fighter Highlights
The ceremonial weigh-ins not only set the stage for these bouts but also showcased numerous fighters who have built their reputations within the UFC. Moicano, known for his impressive ground game and striking ability, seeks to reaffirm his title contention with a win over the hard-hitting Saint Denis. The latter, having made a name for himself with an unyielding style, aims to upset the ranking and prove he belongs among the lightweight elite.
In the co-main event, Imavov and Allen both carry the hopes of their respective camps. With Imavov’s tactical striking and Allen’s strong grappling, fans can expect a well-rounded contest that may showcase skills from all aspects of MMA.
Preliminary Fights Worth Watching
In addition to the featured fights, the prelims are also packed with intriguing matchups. Noteworthy fighters include:
– Kevin Jousset, known for his striking precision, will face Bryan Battle, a tough competitor with strong grappling skills.
– Morgan Charriere takes on Gabriel Miranda in a featherweight clash that could see fireworks from the get-go.
– Ludovit Klein, another fan favorite, will be looking to secure a victory against Roosevelt Roberts, a fighter with a solid track record.
How to Watch UFC Fight Night 243
Fans eager to catch all the action can tune in on ESPN+. The prelims kick off at 12 PM ET/9 AM PT, while the main card begins at 3 PM ET/12 PM PT. The event promises a filled card and can be viewed live from Accor Arena in Paris, France, marking the third consecutive year the UFC has returned to this iconic city.
With titles and rankings on the line, UFC Fight Night 243 is shaping up to be a thrilling night for MMA enthusiasts. The stakes are high, the athletes are ready, and the Octagon awaits.
For updates and more detailed insights on the fights, be sure to check out MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 243. Additionally, you can connect with the MMA community by visiting the [MMA Junkie Instagram page](#) and the MMA Junkie YouTube channel for more exclusive content.
Conclusion
As fight night gets closer, the excitement for UFC Fight Night 243 is growing! There are some amazing matchups and tough fighters who are ready to compete. Everyone is curious to see who will step up and prove they are among the best in the sport. Get ready for a thrilling evening where every punch, kick, and move could help create the next star in MMA history!
