MIAMI – Marco Tulio made a big statement at UFC 314 on Saturday, April 12, 2025, showcasing his skills in a thrilling matchup against Tresean Gore at the Kaseya Center. The Brazilian middleweight, known as Matuto, demonstrated resilience and power, overcoming an early knockdown to secure a second-round technical knockout (TKO) victory. This marked Tulio's second consecutive win in the UFC, improving his professional record to an impressive 14 wins and just one loss.
The fight began with both fighters exchanging heavy strikes, setting the stage for an explosive encounter. Tulio, who trains at Chute Boxe Diego Lima, came out aggressively, landing a series of punches and kicks. Despite being knocked down early in the first round, he quickly regained composure and retaliated with a powerful left cross that sent Gore to the canvas.
As the first round progressed, Tulio continued to showcase his striking versatility, connecting with 60 significant strikes, 47 of which targeted Gore's head. His ability to mix up attacks kept Gore on the defensive, and by the end of the round, Tulio had established clear dominance.
In the second round, Tulio's momentum only grew stronger. He opened with a flurry of body kicks and spinning strikes that visibly affected Gore. The turning point came when Tulio landed a high kick that sent Gore crashing to the mat. Following that, a straight right hand sealed the deal, prompting the referee to stop the fight at the 3:16 mark of the round.
“I’m very happy to fight on such an important card. Thank you Sean, thank you Dana,” Tulio exclaimed in the octagon after his victory. “In the first round, I landed a cross and think I broke my finger there. It was my dream; I have much more to show. There’s one guy I really want to fight, he just had a war, Marvin Vettori. I’m ready for him.”
With this victory, Tulio has not only solidified his place in the middleweight division but has also caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. His performance was highlighted by an astonishing 72% striking accuracy, landing 127 of 175 significant strikes against Gore, who managed only 28% accuracy with 19 landed strikes.
The bout was part of a stacked card at UFC 314, which also featured a highly anticipated featherweight title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes. The energy in the Kaseya Center was palpable, with fans witnessing a night filled with action and memorable moments.
Marco Tulio's rise in the UFC comes after a stellar career in regional promotions, notably his impressive finish against Ihor Potieria in Dana White’s Contender Series, which earned him a shot in the biggest MMA organization in the world. His blend of striking power and tactical acumen positions him as a serious contender in the middleweight ranks, a division known for its fierce competition.
As the fight unfolded, Tulio's strategy became clear. He effectively varied his attacks, targeting his opponent’s head, body, and legs, which exhausted Gore and left him vulnerable to Tulio's finishing blows. This tactical approach not only secured the victory but also showcased Tulio's growth as a fighter since his debut.
Looking ahead, Tulio's performance has set the stage for potential matchups against ranked opponents, with speculation about fights against names like Chris Curtis or Anthony Hernandez. Each of these matchups would provide Tulio with the opportunity to further establish his presence in the division and test his skills against more seasoned fighters.
Meanwhile, Tresean Gore, who now holds a 2-3 record in the UFC, will need to regroup and refine his approach moving forward. The experience gained from facing a rising star like Tulio could serve as a valuable lesson in his career.
UFC 314 was not just a showcase for Marco Tulio; it highlighted the depth of talent within the organization. Other notable performances included Nora Cornolle's submission victory over Hailey Cowan and Michal Oleksiejczuk's knockout win against Sedriques Dumas, both of which contributed to an exciting night of fights.
In summary, Marco Tulio's emphatic victory at UFC 314 has placed him firmly on the radar as a rising talent in the middleweight division. His ability to finish fights and engage fans with his aggressive style promises an exciting future in the octagon. As he looks to climb the ranks, fans will eagerly anticipate his next appearance and the challenges that lie ahead.
