The ceremonial weigh-ins for UFC Fight Night 243, held in Paris, showcased a significant moment in the lead-up to the highly anticipated bouts featuring Renato Moicano against Benoit Saint Denis and Nassourdine Imavov versus Brendan Allen. The atmosphere was electric as fighters stepped onto the scale, embodying both the physical intensity and psychological warfare inherent in mixed martial arts (MMA). Notably, all competitors successfully made weight except Ailin Perez, who missed by a narrow margin of 0.5 pounds, leading to a catchweight arrangement for her fight with Darya Zheleznyakova .
The weigh-ins took place at Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, which hosts Saturday’s event (ESPN+). Check out the video above to see the athletes from all 12 scheduled matchups come face-to-face. Plus, don’t miss the photo gallery below.
Moicano’s stock has risen significantly since he made the decision to move up from featherweight to lightweight in 2020. Already one of the world’s best at 145 pounds, his decision to move up to 155 was something of a gamble, but it’s fair to say it’s paying off.
He’s 6-2 as a UFC lightweight, with his only losses at 155 pounds coming against contender Rafael Fiziev and former champion Rafael Dos Anjos. They’re more than outweighed by victories over a host of notable names, with wins over Damir Hadzovic, Jai Herbert, Alexander Hernandez, Brad Riddell, Drew Dober and, in his last outing, Jalin Turner, putting him in stellar form heading into his Paris showcase this weekend.
Perez seems to have rehydrated well thus far, and appeared almost a different woman as she arrived on the scales for the ceremonial weigh-ins this evening. She looked confident and soaked in boos from the Paris crowd as she headed on stage brandishing a medallion with the word ‘GOAT’.
This event not only highlights the athletes' commitment but also serves as a critical juncture for bettors and analysts alike. With Saint Denis emerging as the betting favorite against Moicano and Imavov favored over Allen, predictions surrounding each matchup have generated considerable interest among fans . Such dynamics underscore the intricate blend of sport and entertainment that characterizes UFC events.
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