Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos has flown quietly under the radar in the UFC welterweight division, but it's doubtful to remain that way as the Brazilian welterweight earned his seventh consecutive win on Saturday, submitting Curtis Millender in the first round. He may be known as a knockout artist, but on Saturday he proved he can win by other means, if necessary.
Fighting as the co-main event of UFC Fight Night (on ESPN+ 4) in Wichita, Kansas, dos Santos made quick work of Millender before ending things midway through the first round with a rear-naked choke. Dos Santos (21-5) took Millender down early and brilliantly worked his way into position to establish the choke. Check out the impressive finish below.
The victory was dos Santos's third straight finish and only his third career win by submission (he has 14 via knockout). It's also his seventh consecutive win in the UFC, though he strongly believes it should've been his eighth.
"I want people to see my value," dos Santos said following the fight. "I'm making history. This was supposed to be my eighth win [in the UFC], but [the] judges took one from me. I have three finishes back-to-back. Give me a top-five opponent. Show me some respect."
The win will likely earn dos Santos a top opponent for his next fight. Millender (17-4), meanwhile, entered the fight with a nine-fight win streak; it was his first loss since signing with the UFC last year.