Degli earns UFC contract with standing one-arm choke after 13-fight winning streak

Marcos Degli secured a UFC contract at Dana White’s Contender Series Season 10 Week 7 on Tuesday, submitting Paris Moran with a standing one-arm rear-naked choke at the 4:46 mark of the second round at the UFC Apex. The finish extended the Brazilian flyweight’s winning streak to 13 consecutive bouts and moved his professional record to 15-3.

The submission was as unconventional as it was decisive. Degli locked in the rear-naked choke with one arm while standing, a technique rarely seen at any level of competition, and held on until Moran had no choice but to tap. UFC CEO Dana White awarded Degli a contract immediately after the fight.

Degli’s path to the Contender Series was far from straightforward. He started his professional career 2-3 before reeling off 13 straight victories, establishing himself as one of Brazil’s most dangerous flyweight prospects. Against Moran, he demonstrated that his submission arsenal is every bit as threatening as his striking — a combination that ultimately proved too much for his opponent.

In his post-fight interview, an emotional Degli dedicated the moment to his late grandmother, who passed away earlier this year.

“I lost my grandma at the start of the year and I wish that she was here to see where her grandson made it. We made it,” Degli said. “I am sure she would be really proud. I am gonna make her really proud.”

He also paid tribute to his wife, describing her as the cornerstone of his support system.

“She is the most invaluable thing I have in my life,” Degli said. “She’s there for me no matter what.”

With a UFC contract now in hand, Degli enters the promotion’s flyweight division as a prospect who has shown both the technical creativity and the mental resilience to compete at the highest level.