Regional veteran Carl Deaton III was a short-notice call-up making his promotional debut at UFC Vegas 70, in a lightweight fight with Joe Solecki.
Solecki was supposed to come a week ago; original opponent Benoit St. Denis had withdrawn, forcing a delay and allowing the organization to bring in Deaton.
Deaton was aggressive from the start but took a left hook from Solecki for his troubles. Solecki then changed levels for a takedown. Deaton was defending really well but the urgency of Solecki eventually got him down. Deaton exploded back to his feet but left his back exposed and Solecki jumped on board. That led to a standing body triangle which Solecki had in tight. He was landing some punches and working in the rear-naked choke. Solecki had trouble getting in under the chin and eventually, he let go of the body triangle. Solecki still ended the round on the back. He dominated the round but he very well could’ve burnt his legs out.
Starting off in round two Deaton came forward but Solecki timed him with an easy takedown in the middle of the cage. Solecki was hanging around in side control until he caught Deaton slipping and took his back. This time Solecki had the back and the body triangle on the mat. To his credit, Deaton was losing but defending really well fighting the wrists. In a battle of position, Solecki eventually got his choke under the neck. With seconds left in the round, Deaton went to sleep.
Official Result: Joe Solecki def. Carl Deaton lll by technical submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 4:55
