One of nine Canadian fighters on Saturday’s UFC Winnipeg card, middleweight Julien Leblanc made his promotional debut against a slumping Robert Valentin.
At 34, Leblanc was getting a late start in the UFC, after compiling a 10-2 record on the regional circuit. Valentin, a TUF 32 finalist, had (including The Ultimate Fighter 32 finale) dropped three straight bouts under the UFC banner.
For Leblanc, the bout represented a chance to make an immediate impression and prove he belongs on the sport’s biggest stage despite the late arrival. On the other side, Valentin entered with added urgency, knowing another loss could put his standing with the promotion in jeopardy. With both fighters facing pivotal moments in their careers, the matchup carried significant stakes for each man.
Leblanc started the fight, going up high and to the body with the kick. It kindly pissed Valentin off as he landed a few heavy leg kicks and went into an easy takedown. Valentin quickly sliced into mount and took the back very fast and smoothly. Valentin was firmly on the back with the body triangle. He was aggressive on the RNC, and it eventually snuck under, and Leblanc tapped.
An emotional Valentin dedicated the victory to the memory of his late mother who he lost just before he last fight.
Official Result: Robert Valentin def. Julien Leblanc via submission (RNC), round 1, 2:26
