UFC 316 – MarQuel Mederos vs Mark Choinski – Full Fight Replay Available Today

On June 7, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, UFC 316 opened with a compelling lightweight bout between MarQuel Mederos and Mark Choinski that delivered far more than a typical prelim fight. Despite being the first contest of the night, the energy and intensity inside the arena were undeniable, and both fighters rose to the occasion. Mederos, known for his striking precision and footwork, entered the Octagon looking to continue his undefeated run in the UFC, while Choinski, stepping in on short notice, aimed to make a statement and seize an opportunity that many fighters dream of.

Right from the first round, Mederos established his rhythm, utilizing crisp jabs, leg kicks, and sharp combinations to keep Choinski on the back foot. Choinski responded with toughness and tenacity, pressing forward and attempting to close the distance, where he could initiate clinches and look for takedown opportunities. The pace was high, with Mederos finding his range early and keeping Choinski guessing with feints and angles. Choinski managed to land some clean shots in close and briefly slowed the action with control against the cage, but Mederos’ speed and volume clearly gave him the edge in striking exchanges.

The second round saw Choinski increase his urgency, diving deeper into his wrestling arsenal. He secured a takedown midway through the round, but Mederos stayed calm and composed, quickly scrambling back to his feet and resuming his striking assault. Mederos’ ability to create space and reset the fight on the feet proved crucial, as he continued to pile up damage with combinations and targeted body shots that visibly wore on Choinski. Still, the short-notice replacement refused to back down, marching forward with grit and determination that earned the respect of everyone watching.

By the third round, Mederos had firmly established control. His footwork and conditioning remained sharp, while Choinski began to show signs of fatigue. Mederos varied his attacks beautifully, mixing punches with kicks and stuffing late takedown attempts. He controlled the range, dictated the pace, and made smart defensive choices to avoid any last-minute surprises. Though Choinski kept pushing until the final horn, it was clear that Mederos had done more than enough to secure the win.

When the judges’ scorecards were read—30-27, 30-27, and 29-28—all in favor of MarQuel Mederos, it confirmed a dominant performance that showcased his development as a well-rounded lightweight contender. For Choinski, despite the loss, it was a gutsy and commendable effort against a rising talent, and his resilience suggested that he belongs on the UFC roster. In the end, this bout set a strong tone for the rest of UFC 316, proving that even the early fights can deliver memorable moments and set the stage for breakout performances.