Fernando Padilla Gets Back in the Win Column with Submission Victory at UFC on ESPN 53
Las Vegas, NV – It was a triumphant return for Fernando Padilla at UFC on ESPN 53 as he secured a second-round submission victory over Luis Pajuelo. The Mexican fighter had previously suffered a loss to Kyle Nelson in September, but he bounced back in impressive fashion on Saturday night.
Kosport Magazine caught up with Padilla after the fight to get his thoughts on the key moments, his clear-cut win, and what he wants next.
Padilla on the Fight’s Key Moment
When asked about the key moment in the fight, Padilla described the intense exchange that led to his victory. “When he went down, I remember his eyes were really, really open. I was just trying to hit him, hit him, hit him. I hear the referee saying, ‘Move, move, move,’ and I just kept hitting him, kept going. He secured my arms a few times and then I was able to take it out. I hit him with a few elbows.
“I saw that he didn’t like them and as soon as he turned his back on me I knew it. I was like, ‘I’m going to go for a rear naked choke or a guillotine.’ But then I saw his arm going down and I’m long for a reason, right? So I just wrapped my arms around like a D’Arce and he was already a little bit up, I just put my weight on the cage.”
Padilla on a Clear-Cut Win
Padilla’s first UFC win was met with some controversy, but he made sure to leave no doubt this time around. “They can say whatever about my first win and that it was controversial and everything, but I was in the cage, I was present, and I was hitting him until the referee told me to stop. Right now, again, a lot of people told me, ‘You need to be more aggressive. Don’t stop just because the referee tells you. Make him take you off of your opponent.’ It’s something that I’ve been working on in the gym constantly: Be a little bit more aggressive until the finish. It’s amazing to be able to prove that. This is not controversy.”
Padilla on What He Wants Next
Looking ahead, Padilla is eager to keep his momentum going and continue his winning streak. “I would like to keep fighting. I would like to keep this streak going. This year, September 16th is going to be really big because they’re trying to do it in The Sphere (in Las Vegas). If they’re going to save me for that, it’s perfect. Whoever they put in front of me, I will be ready for it.”
To hear more from Padilla, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
UFC on ESPN 53
UFC on ESPN 53 was a night full of exciting fights and Padilla’s submission victory was just one of many highlights. Be sure to visit Kosport Magazine’s Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.
Short Resume:
Fernando Padilla secures a second-round submission victory over Luis Pajuelo at UFC on ESPN 53. Padilla describes the key moment in the fight and his clear-cut win. He also shares his plans for the future and his desire to continue his winning streak. Be sure to check out Kosport Magazine’s social media channels for more MMA content.
