sentences:  Marrero made his UFC debut against a much larger and more experienced opponent in Cheick Kongo who already had two wins for the organization.Marrero used his superior grappling skills to control the bout and won via a split decision.In his next fight he faced Gabriel Gonzaga, with the winner to get a shot to fight Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipović for the #1 contender spot; Marrero lost this fight in the first round via submission due to an armbar submission.