23-year-old Francis Marshall caps UFC debut with huge knockout win

Francis Marshall got his UFC contract thanks to a strong performance on Dana White‘s Contender Series in August and today capped off his debut with a huge knockout win over veteran Marcelo Rojo.

The South American has now suffered his third straight loss since joining the UFC and could well be the next name on the chopping block, likely leaving the company with an 0-3 record. Despite the losses, “Pitbull” has shown promise in his octagon outings and can take that experience with him on his next MMA adventure.

Francis Marshall started with the front foot, taking the fight to his opponent from the opening bell. After landing some heavy punches and dropping the Argentine in the first round, he then won the finish early in the second with a big right hand.

At just 23 years old, Francis Marshall has shown great promise and will be delighted with his first UFC appearance, a win that could well land him a late night performance bonus.

“Fire” has just put his name to an already stacked featherweight division, and despite his almost flawless display and at such a young age, it will likely take several more notable showcases to earn him a spot in the top 15.

Only two fights in UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Holland and the card is shaping up to be one of the most entertaining events of the year. The opening bout saw Yazmin Jauregui score an impressive TKO comeback over the gritty Istela Nunes.

The event led by Stephen Thompson and Kevin Holland will feature fantastic matches not to be missed. The standout fights on the card are the heavyweight brawl between Tai Tuivasa and Sergei Pavlovich, and a welterweight showdown between Bryan Barberena and Rafael Dos Anjos.

Francis Marshall’s journey to the UFC

Francis Marshall began his cfu career by picking up his first-ever knockout in his professional MMA career, but what did the up-and-coming talent look like on his way to promotion?

In his first three martial arts fights, the New Jersey native got off to a flying start earning back-to-back submission victories and going 3-0 in the sport.

A decision win in his fourth fight ended his stoppage streak, but he immediately got back to work and earned another submission victory in his fifth fight earlier this year. As mentioned, a short stint on the Contender Series just a few months ago landed him a contract with the UFC.