Luis Aguiar Targets LFA Interim Flyweight Title as Crucial Step Towards UFC Roster Spot.

Brasilia, Brazil — Brazilian flyweight contender Luis Aguiar, a product of the renowned Pitbull Brothers camp, is poised to face Marcos Degli for the interim LFA flyweight championship at LFA 225 this Friday night in Brasilia. The highly anticipated bout represents a pivotal moment in Aguiar’s professional trajectory, as he views the LFA title as the definitive ticket to either Dana White’s Contender Series or a direct contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Aguiar’s journey toward the sport’s pinnacle began with significant regional success. In 2024, he captured the Jungle Fight flyweight championship, a victory that he, and many in the MMA community, expected would lead to an invitation to the Contender Series the following year. However, that opportunity did not materialize, prompting Aguiar to redouble his efforts in collecting further championship accolades, aiming to make his eventual arrival in the UFC an undeniable inevitability.

The LFA (Legacy Fighting Alliance) has established itself as one of the premier developmental organizations for the UFC, often serving as a direct feeder league for talent. Its strong connection to the world’s leading MMA promotion makes the LFA title a highly coveted prize for aspiring fighters globally, particularly those from Brazil seeking to break into the international spotlight.

"I’m very happy to be fighting for the LFA belt," Aguiar conveyed to MMA Fighting in a recent interview. "It’s basically the biggest organization outside the UFC. It’s one of the main gateways [to the UFC], and I’m extremely happy to be there, fighting for the title and having the opportunity to keep moving forward in my career. Like you said, we’ve already won some regional belts, and we keep climbing the ladder. God willing, we’ll get to the UFC."

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Aguiar’s departure from Jungle Fight after securing his championship in 2024 was attributed to what he described as "contractual issues," though he clarified that there was "no bad blood." This decision allowed him to prioritize the potential Contender Series call, which ultimately did not materialize within his desired timeframe. Subsequently, the opportunity with the LFA emerged, presenting a new and equally promising pathway to his UFC aspirations. This strategic move highlights Aguiar’s focused approach to career progression, prioritizing opportunities that align directly with his ultimate goal of competing at the highest level.

The upcoming LFA 225 main event pits two of Brazil’s most promising flyweight prospects against each other, with both fighters entering the contest on impressive winning streaks. Luis Aguiar currently boasts a formidable seven-fight winning streak, distinguished by a rare 100 percent finishing rate across all his victories. This record underscores his aggressive style and ability to conclude fights definitively, whether by knockout or submission. His opponent, Marcos Degli, known by his moniker "Tailandes," brings an equally impressive professional ledger to the cage. Degli enters LFA 225 riding an eleven-fight winning streak, with ten of those victories coming by way of stoppage. Notably, Degli has already demonstrated his championship pedigree within the LFA, having finished both of his latest opponents in LFA title bouts in 2025, further solidifying his status as a top contender.

The bout is not merely for an interim title but is widely seen as a de facto eliminator to determine Brazil’s leading up-and-comer in the flyweight division. Aguiar firmly believes that the winner will secure an immediate and direct pathway to the UFC. "He’s a very tough athlete, we’re training hard for this, and for sure we’re going to put on a show," Aguiar stated, acknowledging the caliber of his opponent. "I believe that both he and I are already on the UFC’s radar today. Because of LFA’s connection with the UFC, I believe he would be the first one to be called from Brazil, let’s say, so we’re going to fight for that first spot. Whoever wins will probably get called to the Contender Series or straight to the UFC." This perspective underscores the high stakes of the LFA 225 main event, positioning it as a direct audition for a UFC contract for both competitors.

Despite the monumental implications of the fight, Aguiar maintained a grounded perspective, refraining from labeling it the "biggest and most important fight of his career." He explained this philosophy by emphasizing that "everything is a process," and that every single match leading up to this point has contributed to building his reputation and earning him a shot at a championship belt. This methodical view of his career progression reflects a mature understanding of the sport, where each victory is a stepping stone rather than an isolated pinnacle.

However, Aguiar’s measured assessment of his career trajectory does not diminish his profound respect for "Tailandes" as a top-tier opponent. Degli, who trains alongside accomplished fighters such as Carlos Prates at the esteemed Vale Top Team, has himself openly expressed expectations of already being in the UFC by this stage of his career. Aguiar’s objective on Friday night is clear: to usurp Degli’s perceived spot and claim the ultimate prize that comes with it.

The preparation for this contest has been rigorous, reflecting the respect Aguiar holds for Degli’s abilities. "I believe we just have to do the work, and the work is being done," Aguiar affirmed. "He’s a dangerous guy, has heavy hands. He’s not someone you can play around with or underestimate. He’s a guy who needs to be respected, and respect comes through training. When you don’t believe you’re going to fight a tough opponent, you end up disrespecting the training, training a little less, getting comfortable. Whenever you fight a tougher guy, you push yourself a little more, demand a little more from yourself for the result to come, and it won’t be any different with him." This detailed insight into Aguiar’s training philosophy illustrates his commitment to meticulous preparation, viewing every high-caliber opponent as an impetus for heightened discipline and effort.

Given the exceptional finishing rates of both fighters, Aguiar anticipates a decisive conclusion to the bout, predicting it is unlikely to go the full five rounds. "All of my fights have ended by submission or knockout, and he also has a good percentage of finishes," Aguiar noted. "I believe there’s a good chance it doesn’t go to a decision. We prepare for the worst and hope for the best, right? I’m training to fight five rounds, but I believe there’s a good chance it doesn’t get there." This forecast of an action-packed, definitive finish adds another layer of excitement to the LFA 225 main event, promising a high-octane encounter between two fighters determined to leave no doubt.

The LFA 225 interim flyweight championship bout between Luis Aguiar and Marcos Degli stands as a critical juncture for both athletes. For Aguiar, it represents the culmination of a deliberate, multi-year campaign to secure a UFC contract, a path that has seen him navigate regional championships and strategic career decisions. A victory over a highly respected and dangerous opponent like Degli would not only add another prestigious title to his collection but, in his estimation, fulfill his long-held ambition of competing under the bright lights of the UFC. The outcome of Friday night’s contest in Brasilia will undoubtedly reshape the landscape of the Brazilian flyweight division and significantly impact the careers of two of its most promising talents.

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