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Marcos Degli believes the UFC has assigned him a specific mission: to remove Mitch Raposo from the promotion. The two flyweights are set to square off at UFC Vegas 124, and Degli has predicted a violent finish to the bout.
Accusations of a Padded Record
Degli enters the matchup carrying a 13-fight winning streak that features 12 stoppages, including a rear-naked choke victory over Paris Moran on the Dana White’s Contender Series in September. As reported by sports.yahoo.com, Degli acknowledged Raposo’s experience within the organization but dismissed him as inferior opposition whose fights consistently go to decisions.
Degli told sports.yahoo.com that Raposo earned early-career finishes against inexperienced opponents holding numerous losses, describing it as a padded record. In contrast, Degli noted that he and his team faced elite competition in Brazil, which he calls the birthplace of MMA.
Raposo holds a 2-2 record inside the UFC, with all four bouts reaching the judges’ scorecards, though he secured five stoppages in seven pre-UFC victories against opponents who collectively went 24-28-1.
High Expectations and Tactical Breakdown
Degli earned his UFC opportunity through a dominant six-fight run in the LFA, capturing three title wins against Lincon Santos, Matheus Severino, and Luis Aguiar by knockout. Believing the promotion views him as a rising superstar, Degli told sports.yahoo.com that the organization wants him to send Raposo packing.
Analyzing his opponent’s fighting style, Degli stated that Raposo relies heavily on high-volume punching without significant knockout power, and tends to shoot for double-leg takedowns when pressured. Degli added that despite Raposo being a black belt, his grappling lacks the control needed to keep opponents grounded. Degli’s camp plans to neutralize Raposo’s fast start in the opening round and steadily break him down for a knockout.
Chasing Bonuses and Future Callouts
Training alongside teammate and welterweight contender Carlos Prates, Degli aims to match his friend’s electrifying fighting style and secure a Performance of the Night bonus at UFC Vegas 124. Following the bout, Degli plans to challenge former champion Brandon Moreno, who is booked to face Charles Johnson in December, in pursuit of a rapid ascent through the flyweight division.
