UFC Winnipeg video: Robert Valentin emotional after tapping Julien Leblanc
Robert Valentin had his back against the wall at UFC Winnipeg and didn't lay down against Julien Leblanc.
Robert Valentin had his back against the wall at UFC Fight Night 273 and didn't lay down against a hunger octagon newcomer in Julien Leblanc. After losing his first three appearances with the promotion, Valentin (11-6 MMA, 1-3 UFC) finally got hi first victory on the sport's biggest stage with a first-round submission of Leblanc (10-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) in the middleweight bout at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Valentin got Leblanc to the mat very early, took the back and worked mightily for the rear-naked choke, securing it and forcing the tap at the 2:22 mark of Round 1.
The Swiss fighter immediately became overwhelmed with emotion. Check out the replay of the finish below (via X ): Robert Valentin gets the tap!! šŗ @paramountplus pic.
twitter. com/7tjt3yEmi2 ā UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) April 18, 2026 After the fight, all of Valentin's feelings came out as he delivered a powerful and emotional monologue in his post-fight interview with Paul Felder. "I never cry, but I dedicate this fight to my mom," Valentin said.
"She died during my last fight week and I know she's watching me. I love you. I worked so hard to get this first win in the UFC, and I want to thank everyone who stood by me when I was down.