Bryce Meredith Falls to Lazaro Dayron in Bantamweight
Dayron Ends Meredith’s Unbeaten Streak with Third-Round TKO
In a clash of undefeated bantamweights that lived up to its billing, Lazaro Dayron handed Bryce Meredith his first professional MMA loss with a dramatic third-round TKO at PFL World Tournament 10 on August 21, 2025, in Hollywood, Florida. The bout, part of the tournament finals, showcased elite-level striking, relentless pace, and a finish that cemented Dayron’s status as a rising force in the division.
Dayron (9–0–1) closed the show at 4:06 of Round 3, landing a crushing right hand that dropped Meredith (7–1) and forced the referee to step in.
A War of Wills: Meredith Starts Strong, Dayron Finishes Stronger
The fight opened with high-octane exchanges, as Meredith used his wrestling pedigree to control early grappling sequences and land sharp counters. Dayron, fighting out of The Goat Shed in Miami, absorbed the pressure and began to find his rhythm in the second round, landing body shots and leg kicks that slowed Meredith’s movement.
By Round 3, fatigue set in for both fighters, but Dayron surged forward with renewed aggression. After a series of feints and combinations, he connected with a clean overhand right that sent Meredith crashing to the canvas. The referee waved it off moments later, sealing the Cuban striker’s biggest win to date.
Dayron’s Rise: A New Contender Emerges
With the win, Dayron remains unbeaten and adds a marquee name to his résumé. His ability to weather adversity and finish fights late speaks volumes about his conditioning and fight IQ. Analysts are already calling for Dayron to be fast-tracked into PFL’s regular season title mix.
“He’s got the power, the composure, and the killer instinct,” said PFL commentator Kenny Florian during the post-fight breakdown. “This guy is a problem for anyone at 135.”
Meredith’s First Loss: Lessons and Redemption Ahead
For Meredith, the loss is a setback—but not a derailment. The former NCAA wrestling standout showed flashes of brilliance and toughness throughout the fight. With elite grappling and a growing striking arsenal, he remains a top prospect in the bantamweight division.
Expect Meredith to regroup and return with adjustments, likely targeting a bounce-back fight before year’s end.
Final Thoughts: A Fight Worth Remembering
Dayron vs. Meredith delivered everything fans hoped for—technical exchanges, momentum swings, and a definitive finish. As PFL continues to build its bantamweight roster, this bout will be remembered as a turning point in the division’s evolution.
For full fight replay and post-event analysis, visit MMA Junkie’s coverage and Tapology’s official bout page.
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Tags: Wrestling, Combat Sports