After being forced out of their fight in June, the 26-year-old lightweight prospect showcased a strong striking game before latching onto Austin Hubbard’s back and eventually securing the submission to get the finish. The official time for the fight was 3:51 in the first round.
“I showed I can make them check out a little bit on the feet and then go to the ground,” Solecki said as he mirrored his win at UFC on ESPN 15 with his submission victory on the Contender Series last July.
NASTY!@JoeSolecki gets the RNC from Hubbard's back.
Main card continues - LIVE on @ESPN & E+ pic.twitter.com/cc8CspS12T
— UFC (@ufc) August 23, 2020
While he got the job done with his grappling, Solecki looked like he was in complete control on the feet as well as he tagged Hubbard with several clean shots during the first few exchanges in the opening round.Main card continues - LIVE on @ESPN & E+ pic.twitter.com/cc8CspS12T
— UFC (@ufc) August 23, 2020
With a crisp boxing attack as part of his arsenal, Solecki showed confidence in his hands, which then forced Hubbard to look for alternatives. That eventually led to the fighters being clinched against the cage with Solecki seizing on the opening to latch onto Hubbard’s back while locking in the body triangle.
Despite a position that could easily tire his legs as much as his opponent, Solecki showed patience as he continued to search for the choke that could earn him the finish. Finally after Solecki slipped his arm under the chin, he tightened the hold until the grimace on Hubbard’s face was unmistakable.
The tap came a split second later.
With four wins in a row, including a pair of impressive victories inside the octagon, Solecki certainly seems like a name to watch as he continues his climb up the lightweight ranks in the UFC.
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