Frye would return to his winning ways at the "U-Japan" event in November 1996, taking a submission victory by forearm choke over Mark Hall in a rematch. Just one month later, Frye entered the UFC's "Ultimate Ultimate 96" tournament, held to find the best of the best from past tournament winners and runners up. He firstly went for the second time against Gary Goodridge, who revealed his improvement by brawling on the clinch before taking Frye down and landing headbutts, but the result was the same, as Goodridge tapped out as soon as Frye got dominant position. Don went to face Mark Hall for the third time in his career, but this fight was even shorter, with Frye getting a takedown and an Achilles lock for the give up in 20 seconds. In the finals, Frye faced feared striker Tank Abbott, who landed early devastating shots, opening a cut on Frye's face and causing swelling. However, Abbott lost his balance and fell, allowing Frye to secure a rear naked choke, to take the title of "Ultimate Ultimate 96" Champion, his second UFC Tournament Championship.