During UFC Vegas 70, it seemed like UFC lightweight Joe Solecki was only interested in winning by rear-naked choke.
With a technical submission finish at 4:55 of Round 2, Solecki (13-3 MMA, 5-1 UFC) was able to do what he set out to do. He defeated Carl Deaton in his UFC debut match on the preliminary card at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Solecki spent most of the first round on the back of Deaton (17-6 MMA, 0-1 UFC), who was in a standing position leaning against the cage.
Solecki used alternating body triangles while searching for the rear-naked choke. Deaton maintained his composure and preserved his neck long enough to see the second round.
That man was out. pic.twitter.com/VyhKh6X2bQ
— calfkicker (@calfkickercom) February 26, 2023
Solecki persisted in trying to finish Deaton via submission during the second round. A deep rear-naked choke was secured just as time ran out. Deaton tried to hold on until the horn. However, he was put to sleep by the choke with just five seconds remaining in the round.
The victory was Solecki’s fifth one in the UFC. It was also the second consecutive win for the 29-year-old. He recovered from his lone loss with the organization by defeating Alex da Silva by majority decision.