TLDR
- Roque Conceicao Moreira Junior earned a UFC contract with a first-round triangle choke submission at Dana White’s Contender Series Week 9
- The Brazilian fighter held onto the submission despite being slammed to the mat by Alexander Chavez at 3:37 of Round 1
- This was Moreira Junior’s second appearance on DWCS after losing by TKO in Season 9 last year
- Chavez suffered his first professional loss, dropping to 9-1 in the flyweight bout at Meta Apex in Las Vegas
- Dana White praised both fighters’ skills and welcomed Moreira Junior to the UFC roster
Sources: sherdog.com | sherdog.com | sherdog.com
Roque Conceicao Moreira Junior earned a UFC contract Tuesday night after refusing to release a triangle choke even while being slammed to the canvas. The Brazilian flyweight defeated Alexander Chavez at 3:37 of the first round during Week 9 of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 10.
The fight took place at Meta Apex in Las Vegas on October 6. Moreira Junior improved his record to 12-3 while handing Chavez his first professional loss.
Primero lo conectó de pie y en el suelo tiró 3 intentos de sumisión en 30"
Roque Conceição 🇧🇷 firmará contrato
Alexander Chavez 🇵🇪 dió guerra hasta donde pudo 👏 #DWCS pic.twitter.com/Y5b3BVmvp6
— MMA Latinoamérica (@ClubDeLasMMA) October 7, 2026
The Brazilian fighter held his own during the striking exchanges before attempting the triangle choke. When Chavez tried to escape by slamming him to the mat, Moreira Junior maintained the hold and forced the tap.
Redemption After Previous Loss
This victory marked a successful return to the Contender Series for Moreira Junior. He had lost his first appearance on the show last year in Season 9, suffering a first-round technical knockout to Imanol Rodriguez.
The 12-3 fighter compared his second chance on the UFC recruitment show to competing in soccer’s World Cup. He expressed deep emotion about finally achieving his goal.
“This is the best day of my life so far,” Moreira Junior said after the fight. “This is like being in the World Cup, you know? I have dreamed a lot about this.”
He continued his post-fight comments by thanking his support system. “I worked so hard for this, and I thank everyone; I thank God and thank my team. This is a unique moment, and I am never gonna live this moment again.”
Dana White Praises Both Fighters
UFC President Dana White was impressed by the back-and-forth nature of the bout. He praised both fighters’ skills before awarding Moreira Junior his contract.
“This was an incredible fight,” White said during the contract presentation. “Both of you guys were killers. Nasty kicks, great exchanges, then the slam right into the triangle.”
White explained what made him decide to offer the contract. “What I loved about your fight was everything. We got to see you in a lot of different areas – striking, kicking, taking kicks, taking strikes, and winning by submission impressively.”
The UFC president then officially welcomed the fighter to the roster. “Welcome to the UFC,” White told Moreira Junior.
Chavez entered the fight with an unblemished 9-0 record. The loss dropped him to 9-1 in his professional career.
The fight showcased multiple aspects of mixed martial arts before the submission finish. Both fighters landed kicks and strikes throughout the brief contest.
Moreira Junior demonstrated his ability to compete in different areas of fighting. The performance convinced White that the Brazilian was ready for the UFC level.
The flyweight division will add Moreira Junior to its roster following his Contender Series victory. His professional record now stands at 12-3 with his UFC debut to be scheduled at a later date.
