Robert Valentin defeated Julien Leblanc by submission in the first round at UFC Winnipeg. The victory allows Valentin (11-6-1 NC) to snap a three-fight losing streak. For Leblanc (10-3), this was his UFC debut, and the loss ends his five-fight winning streak. The finish came via rear-naked choke early in the opening round.
Robert Valentin snapped a difficult stretch of his career on Saturday night at UFC Winnipeg, submitting Julien Leblanc via rear-naked choke in the opening round to record a much-needed victory.
Valentin, known as "Robzilla," entered the contest having dropped three consecutive fights, and the Swiss fighter responded with a commanding first-round finish. The 31-year-old out of Fight Move Academy stands six-foot-two with a 77-inch reach and brings a patient, submission-oriented game to the octagon. His record now stands at 12-6, and his numbers reflect a grappling-focused style — he averages 1.3 submission attempts per 15 minutes while keeping his striking output measured at 1.13 significant strikes landed per minute. When he does land, he lands cleanly, posting a striking accuracy of 56 percent.
Leblanc made his UFC debut on the night, stepping into the promotion off the back of a five-fight winning streak that had built considerable momentum heading into Winnipeg. The loss drops him to 10-3 and marks a tough introduction to the UFC level, with the rear-naked choke ending the fight before the first round could conclude.
Why it matters
- Valentin arrests a three-fight skid with a clean finish, giving him renewed footing in his division
- Leblanc's UFC debut ends in defeat, resetting expectations for his path forward inside the promotion
- The first-round rear-naked choke finish underscores Valentin's submission threat and his ability to close out fights quickly on the ground
