UFC debutant Degli vows to finish Raposo and chase Demetrious Johnson's record

Marcos Degli arrives at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on November 7 with a clear mission: finish Mitch Raposo, collect a performance bonus, and announce himself as a future flyweight contender at UFC Vegas 124.

The 26-year-old Brazilian carries a 15-3 record into his UFC debut, with nine knockouts and five submissions accounting for 14 of those victories. Speaking to Brazilian outlet Sexto Round on Tuesday, Degli pointed directly to the contrast between his finishing instincts and Raposo’s UFC résumé — all four of the Canadian’s octagon appearances have gone to the judges.

“All of his four UFC fights went to a decision. I fight to finish,” Degli said. “Of my 15 MMA wins, nine are by knockout and five by submission. He better be ready, because my focus is to debut with both feet in the door, taking the bonus and asking for a big name in the Octagon.”

Despite not yet having thrown a punch inside the octagon, Degli is already thinking beyond Saturday. He intends to call out a high-profile opponent immediately after a win, and has set his sights on a long-term target that goes well beyond a belt.

“When I win on Saturday I’ll already be calling out a big name — I came to make history,” he said. “A lot of people say I look physically like Demetrious Johnson, who for me is one of the great legends of the sport. And my focus isn’t just to be champion, I want to break his record.”

Johnson, widely regarded as one of the greatest flyweights in MMA history, set the UFC record for consecutive title defences during his dominant reign. Degli did not specify which record he is targeting, but the ambition signals that he views his debut not as a first step but as the opening move in a calculated rise through the division.

Raposo, who holds a 2-2 UFC record, will be looking to prove that his decision-heavy style can neutralise the finishing threat Degli brings. For Degli, however, a points win is not part of the plan.