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At long last, UFC Winnipeg saw a 'truly Robert Valentin performance'
TL;DR
Robert Valentin secured his first UFC victory by defeating Julien Leblanc with a rear-naked choke in under a round at UFC Fight Night 273 in Winnipeg. This win comes after a challenging 0-3 start in the UFC, showcasing Valentin's aggressive fighting style.
Key points
- Robert Valentin won his first UFC fight
- Defeated Julien Leblanc with a rear-naked choke
- Victory came after an 0-3 start in the UFC
- Valentin emphasized an aggressive fighting style
- Fight took place at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg
Mentioned in this story
WinnipegCanada Life Centre
Robert ValentinJulien LeblancUFC Fight Night 273
Robert Valentin met the media Saturday after his win over Julien Leblanc at UFC Fight Night 273. Valentin (11-6 MMA, 1-3 UFC) ripped through Leblanc (10-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) for a rear-naked choke in less than half a round on the prelims at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The win was the first for Valentin in the UFC after an 0-3 start. Almost certainly, the Swiss fighter's job was on the line on the road against Canada's Leblanc. But he said he was committed to a performance exactly like the one he gave. "Every time I step out there, I'm trying, first of all, to be violent as possible – because we're legally allowed to do that (in a fight), so why not take advantage of it?" Valentin told the UFC after the win. "I'm not there to grind out a decision or to be nice to anyone. I want to be violent. I want to see blood. I want bones to break and skulls to shatter. "Today, I went out there and I said I'm going to be like a train: I'm running through this guy, and anything he puts in between is going to break. That was a truly Robert Valentin performance, and I'm so happy I could show this on the big stage."
GOT WHAT HE WAS LOOKING FOR 🤩@RobzillaTV\_MMA earns the first round submission tonight!
[ #UFCWinnipeg | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/UG1Emgko6T
— UFC (@ufc) April 18, 2026 Valentin said during his three-fight skid, he learned to start having fun with MMA as his career, particularly in the wake of the death of his mother. Check out Valentin's post-fight interview in the video below. “That was truly a Robert Valentin performance.”
Robert Valentin (@RobzillaTV\_MMA ) maintained confidence in his work and abilities, and he saw that come to fruition as he earned his first UFC win. #UFCWinnipeg
Complete Prelim Results ➡️ pic.twitter.com/6hg1I1amse
Q&A
What was Robert Valentin's performance like at UFC Fight Night 273?
Robert Valentin delivered a dominant performance, winning by rear-naked choke against Julien Leblanc in less than half a round.
How did Robert Valentin feel about his first UFC win?
Valentin expressed happiness and relief, stating it was a 'truly Robert Valentin performance' and emphasized his commitment to being aggressive in the octagon.
What does Robert Valentin's victory mean for his UFC career?
This victory marks a turning point for Valentin, ending his three-fight losing streak and likely securing his position in the UFC after facing potential job insecurity.