Mario Piazzon`s aspirations of joining the UFC have been severely setback after a surprising knockout defeat at Thunder Fight 47.
Piazzon, who had an undefeated record of 8-0, aimed to break into the UFC heavyweight division, which is considered less competitive by commentators.
However, on Sunday, he experienced a humbling knockout loss against Alex `Marmaduke` Junius, a fighter with a record of 15 wins and 39 losses.
This loss is a significant blow for the Dana White Contender Series veteran. Previously, during a UFC talent scouting event in September 2023, his fight was stopped due to an illegal knee strike by Alexandr Soldatkin, despite Piazzon leading in the first two rounds.
8-0 Prospect Knocked Out by Fighter with 39 Losses
Piazzon`s previous appearance on Dana White`s Contender Series, which ended in a disqualification victory after two rounds, was not enough to secure him a UFC contract.
In those first two rounds, Piazzon and his opponent engaged in extensive grappling against the cage, resulting in a slow-paced fight. The bout concluded early in the third round when an illegal strike was delivered just 20 seconds into it, likely to the relief of Dana White.
Following that Contender Series fight, Piazzon achieved two consecutive wins by stoppages, maintaining his perfect MMA record.
However, his undefeated streak was abruptly ended by Alex ‘Marmaduke Junius’ in the main event of Thunder Fight 47.
Junius landed a left hook that dropped Piazzon, and then secured the knockout with a ground strike.
This third-round knockout loss to a fighter with 39 losses has undoubtedly hindered the Brazilian fighter`s progress towards the UFC.
Fan Reactions to Piazzon`s First Loss
Video footage of Piazzon`s unexpected knockout has quickly gained thousands of views on social media.
Fans online are expressing a mix of shock and excitement about Junius achieving such a significant upset in 2025.
One fan commented on “the beauty of regional MMA,” while another stated, “Isn’t this the reason we love MMA.”
Another comment read, “I knew Piazzon was a big fraud, and this definitely proved it.”
A fourth fan simply added, “That’s MMA for you.”
A shocked viewer exclaimed, “Ain’t no way.”
Another user questioned, “Watching this fight Alex Junius looks like the undefeated fighter with how he’s moving, how the f— has he gone 15-39???”
