Contender Series: Carlos Prates' Partner Finishes, Impresses Dana White and is Signed by the UFC

Marcos Degli submitted in the Contender Series. Photo: Getty Images/Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

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Marcos Degli was the only Brazilian competing in the seventh episode of the tenth season of the Contender Series and made the country proud. In the program held this Tuesday (22), in Las Vegas (USA), the friend and partner of Carlos Prates made no excuse for Paris Moran and finished in the second round via rear-naked choke. Complete and dominant, the LFA flyweight champion (up to 56,7 kg) impressed Dana White and won a contract with the UFC.

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The first round was a monologue. Clearly superior in grappling, Degli took Moran down and not only controlled him on the ground, but also punished him. Taking Moran's back, Degli landed powerful punches to his face. In the second round, Moran returned more aggressively, landed good strikes on Degli in the exchanges and took him down. Experienced, Degli remained unfazed and escaped the position.

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In the exchange, Degli landed a beautiful spinning elbow on Moran, took him down, and took his back. Comfortable in the position, Degli resumed throwing punches to Moran's face and continued to look for a rear-naked choke. Degli's persistence was so great that he finally knocked Moran unconscious with an arm.

Watch Degli's finish in the Contender Series.

STANDING ONE-ARMED REAR NAKED CHOKE

Marcos Degli gets the tap!

📺: #DWCS on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/upbEZHcae6

— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) September 23, 2026

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Marcos Degli focused before fighting in the Contender Series. Photo: Getty Images/Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Thai fighter's history in MMA.

Marcos Degli, nicknamed "The Thai," is a 26-year-old promising MMA fighter and training partner of Carlos Prates at the 'Vale Top Team' academy. The Brazilian began his career in the sport in 2021 and has built a record of 15 wins, 14 by stoppage (nine by knockout and five by submission), and three losses.