Julian Marquez made a big splash in his promotional debut at UFC Winnipeg on Saturday.
In middleweight action at UFC on FOX 26 Saturday in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Julian Marquez made his octagon debut against Darren Stewart. Marquez had made his way to the UFC via Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contenders Series, and was looking to make a statement.
It was Darren Stewart, however, who got the fight down early. Marquez, though, showed he was not lost on the ground, and immediately got back up. That led to a vicious exchanges of punches along the fence, during which a Marquez knee appeared to hurt Stewart. That was enough to motivate Stewart to get the fight back down, which he did with a double leg. Stewart would then control his opponent by the cage, and look to take the back. Again, Marquez was able to work his way back up, and land some elbows in the process.
Another big flurry of shots followed with both men landing. Marquez looked to be hurt, and was at the very least opened up. Back in the middle, they continued to trade, and this time it was Stewart who took a shot that looked to rock him, in the form of a knee. They battled it out to the end of the round.
In the second, Marquez landed a heavy knee and followed it up with an elbow in the clinch. Stewart then took the momentum back, landing a big elbow, and then started teeing off in the pocket, landing blow after blow on Marquez. Somehow, the newcomer survived, and initiated a clinch. Marquez landed a straight right, and led with an elbow; Stewart changed levels and shot for a takedown, only to be caught in a guillotine. And just like that he was out!
After winning his UFC Winnipeg bout, Marquez, showing even after a war, he’s able to crack a joke or two, challenged UFC welterweight champ Tyron Woodley to a beard-off, calling Woodley’s beard “beautiful.”
Julian Marquez def. Darren Stewart by submission (guillotine choke), Round 2, 2:42
