It took Fernando Padilla nearly two years from the time of his UFC signing to make his debut. Saturday, he finally made his first walk – and added a highlight to his reel.
Padilla (15-4 MMA, 1-0 UFC) defeated Julian Erosa (28-11 MMA, 6-7 UFC) via TKO due to punches at 1:41 of Round 1. The featherweight bout took place as part of the UFC Fight Night 223 main card at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
The stoppage was controversial in the eyes of some, including Erosa who contested referee Chris Tognoni’s decision to step in. Erosa was dropped twice during a flurry of Padilla punches, nearly all of which landed. The final blow was a right hand, which put Erosa on the seat of his pants. Erosa popped up, but as he rose, Tognoni waved off the fight.
