Jussier Formiga (24-8) was victorious in his first bout outside of the UFC in almost 10 years, choking out countryman Felipe Bunes (11-6) in the second round.
The contest served as the main event of Friday’s LFA 124 event, which streamed live on UFC Fight Pass from Arizona Federal Theatre in Phoenix.
While the action was relatively even-keeled in the opening round, Formiga was able to slip to back control late in the frame, where he showed the skillset that made him a dangerous contender throughout his octagon run. Bunes was able to defend and stay safe, but that changed in the second.