UFC Winnipeg prelims: Marcio Barbosa obliterates Dennis Buzujka in spectacular debut

Marcio Barbosa swings a mighty sledgehammer, even at 5-foot-6, 145 pounds. The Dana White’s Contender Series graduate shined in his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut, as he zapped Dennis Buzukja for a sensational one-punch knockout in the first round of their featured UFC Fight Night 273 prelim on Saturday at the Canada Life Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Barbosa (18-2, 1-0 UFC) drew the curtain 1:20 into Round 1 .

Buzukja (12-6, 1-4 UFC) tested the water with a one-two and a front kick to the body, then allowed himself to be lured into a close-quarters exchange. Barboza found the off switch with a clean left hook. Buzukja collapsed to the canvas, his eyes open, the thousand-yard stare in full effect.

No follow-up shots were required. Meanwhile, “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 32 finalist Robert Valentin turned away Julien Leblanc with a rear-naked choke in the first round of their middleweight scrap. Leblanc (10-3, 0-1 UFC), who climbed into the cage on a run of five consecutive victories, bowed out 2:22 into Round 1 .

Related » UFC Winnipeg round-by-round scoring Valentin (11-6, 1-3 UFC) hammered the Canadian’s inner lead leg with kicks, followed them into a takedown and transitioned immediately to full mount. He then scrambled to the back, secured position with a body triangle and weaved his arms around Leblanc’s neck. What started as a face crank soon turned into an inescapable rear-naked choke that produced the tapout.