When the UFC announced a fight card on Mexican Independence Day, it had quite a few fighters of Mexican origins and heritages excited. When they went on to brand that fight night Noche UFC and topped it with the organization’s first female Mexican champion, it be came a must for many.
While some didn’t get their wishes, Fernando Padilla was one of the lucky ones to get his name attached to it. Of all the things that he’s most excited about, the crowd is at the top for him.
“It’s awesome because it’s going to be full of Mexican people – Hispanic people. At the end of the day, the energy is going to be awesome – it’s going to be heated,” Padilla shared. “I’m ready for it. I’m excited to be fighting on that card specifically.”
Although the raucous crowd is likely to get him pumped, he’ll stay up long after his fight comes and goes. Just looking up and down the card, Padilla is sure the night will be awesome for everyone.
“With the champion, Alexa Grasso, it’s going to be an amazing night. Also the card is stacked,” he said. “Kevin Holland versus Jack Della [Maddelena] – I’m really excited about that fight to be on the card too.”
But first he’d like to take care of a little business himself. Standing in his way is wily veteran Kyle Nelson. He feels he can duplicate the results from his debut fight.
“I really hope that I can give the best Fernando, like I always do,” Padilla said. “I see a second round knockout.”
You can catch that fight with Kyle Nelson on the ESPN+ main card of Noche UFC. The main card will start at 10pm EST.
You can hear this entire interview at 2:16.
