Morgan Charriere Knocked Out at UFC Vegas 112 in Stunning Head-Kick Finish

French Fighter Falls in Las Vegas Showdown

Morgan Charriere was defeated by Melquizael Costa via knockout in the first round at 1:14 at UFC Vegas 112 on 14 December 2025. Charriere never saw the strike coming and was immediately separated from consciousness in what was described as a nasty knockout that demonstrated Costa’s striking prowess in the featherweight division.

Background and Recent Form

The 30-year-old fighter from Poissy, France, known as ‘The Last Pirate’, holds a professional MMA record of 21-11-1. Charriere was coming off a third-round knockout victory over Nate Landwehr in July, which had built momentum for his return to the octagon. He has been alternating losses and wins in his past four fights, showing the competitive nature of the UFC’s featherweight division.

MMA Pioneer in France

Charriere’s significance extends beyond his individual performances. He was practising MMA in France before it was even called MMA, with the sport only becoming legal in the country just under six years ago. In France, the sport was initially called ‘free fight’ and then pancrase, reflecting the evolving landscape of mixed martial arts in the country.

Implications and Future Outlook

The defeat represents a setback for Charriere’s UFC career, particularly as he faced an opponent on an impressive winning streak. Costa has won four consecutive fights in the UFC, and this knockout victory further establishes his credentials in the division. For Charriere, the loss highlights the razor-thin margins in elite MMA competition, where one momentary lapse can determine the outcome. As France continues to develop its MMA talent pool, Charriere remains an important figure in the sport’s growth within his home country.