UFC Winnipeg video: Robert Valentin emotional after tapping 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):

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. ... We've been through so much. I cannot express how I feel right now. Always believe in yourself and keep working."

Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 273 results:

• Robert Valentin def. Julien Leblanc via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:22
• Gokhan Saricam def. Tanner Boser via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 4:43
• Melissa Croden def. Daria Zhelezniakova via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• JJ Aldrich def. Jamey-Lyn Horth via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• John Castaneda vs. Mark Vologdin declared majority draw (29-27 Castaneda, 28-28, 28-28)
• John Yannis def. Jamie Siraj via TKO (elbows) – Round 1, 2:43