After two years tied up on the sidelines due to visa issues, Mexican featherweight Fernando Padilla finally got to make his promotional debut at UFC Vegas 72 on Saturday, paired up with the always game Julian Erosa.
Erosa entered the fight off a loss to Alex Caceres which had snapped a three-fight win streak. As for Padilla, two years away, but still training, left a big question as to what sort of fighter would arrive at the Apex on Saturday.
Round one and it was like watching two people play with the same character on Mortal Kombat.
That was until Erosa got a little too close while looking for an opening of his own with the angles and Padilla landed a nasty combo that dropped the UFC vet. Erosa popped back up to his feet and tried to re-engage, but was dropped again by the young Mexican making his UFC debut and the fight was waved off.
The finish was questioned by many including the commentary table, but the result was official and that was that.
The accuracy of Padilla’s strikes is definitely something to look forward to seeing from him sometime soon when he makes his return.
Official Result: Fernando Padilla def. Julian Erosa by TKO, Round 1, 1:41
