UFC 243 results: Megan Anderson shines at home with first-round submission over Zarah Fairn

UFC 243 was just what Megan Anderson needed.

The former Invicta FC featherweight champion suffered through a lot of setbacks since joining the UFC roster, but a return home to Australia led to Anderson’s first definitive win inside the Octagon. A triangle choke finished newcomer Zarah Fairn at the 3:57 mark of the opening round in preliminary-card action.

“I feel amazing,” Anderson said following the win. “My last couple fights I haven’t fought to my potential, and tonight was about showing who I am as a fighter.

“I’m excited to see what’s next.”

An aggressive start from Fairn eventually led to Anderson latching onto a body lock, which then gave way to a well-timed takedown against the cage. Once she had the fight on the ground, Anderson advanced position into mount as she began raining down punches and elbows from the top.

One of the glancing elbows opened a cut on Fairn’s head as she tried to survive the barrage of shots dropping down on her.

The only escape for Fairn was trying to power out of the position. But that backfired as she pulled free and Anderson was able to set up a perfectly placed triangle choke. Standing 6-foot-tall benefitted Anderson in that submission as she locked up her legs and Fairn had no option but to tap out.

It was a massive win for Anderson, whose only other UFC victory came under bizarre circumstances when she kicked Cat Zingano and the fight was stopped due to a toe going into her opponent’s eye.

Now Anderson gets back on track with a submission victory — her first since 2014 — as she continues to establish herself in the UFC’s featherweight division.