UFC hopeful turns slam into stunning submission to earn contract

Roque Conceicao Moreira Junior secured a UFC contract on his second appearance at Dana White's Contender Series, submitting Alexander Chavez with a triangle choke at 3:37 of the first round in a flyweight bout at Week 9 of DWCS Season 10 on October 6 at Meta Apex in Las Vegas.

Moreira Junior (12-3) impressed despite being slammed while attempting the submission—he held firm through the impact and forced Chavez (9-1) to tap, handing the Japanese fighter his first professional loss. The bout showcased diverse skills from the Brazilian, who traded strikes and kicks before sealing the finish.

This marked redemption for Moreira Junior, who lost to Imanol Rodriguez by first-round TKO in DWCS Season 9 last year. After his victory, he expressed overwhelming emotion at the opportunity, comparing the moment to competing in a World Cup and crediting his team and faith for the achievement.

Dana White was effusive in his praise, highlighting the quality of the entire matchup. "Both of you guys were killers," White said while handing Moreira Junior his contract. "We got to see you in a lot of different areas—striking, kicking, taking kicks, taking strikes, and winning by submission impressively. Welcome to the UFC." The finish exemplified the kind of technical composure and grit that catches the UFC brass's eye on the recruitment circuit.