LAS VEGAS – Austin Hubbard felt the load of needing a victory to justify being introduced again to UFC for a second stint at UFC on ESPN 55.
After struggling a submission loss to Kurt Holobaugh in “The Final Fighter 31” light-weight finale in August, Hubbard knew he may very well be probably preventing for his job once more when he stepped into the cage with Michal Figlak on Saturday on the UFC Apex.
It was laborious to place the optics out of his thoughts, however Hubbard (16-7 MMA, 4-5 UFC) did that for quarter-hour, and left with a unanimous resolution victory over Figlak (8-2 MMA, 0-2 UFC) for his first win beneath the UFC banner in April 2021.
“I’m simply relieved,” Hubbard instructed MMA Junkie and different reporters post-fight at UFC on ESPN 55. “I used to be tremendous nervous, wired all camp. I simply needed to come back right here, get a win and I did that. Now, I can breathe just a little.
“He comes ahead laborious. He’s a gifted younger fighter. He throws warmth. He’s always coming ahead. This was the struggle I used to be anticipating, and he introduced it and I really feel like I introduced it. I hope it was entertaining for everybody.”
Hubbard’s first run within the UFC was not ultimate. He went 3-4 with the promotion, alternating wins and losses all alongside the way in which. He was launched, however in the end introduced again on a “TUF” season that consisted of a group of different UFC veterans making an attempt to get again to the game’s greatest stage.
Though he faltered within the season finals towards Holobaugh, it didn’t make Hubbard assume he didn’t belong. He stated he’s probably the most mature he’s ever been and thinks that’s going to result in newfound success shifting ahead.
“I’ve discovered lots from my first stint on by means of to the place I’m proper now,” Hubbard stated. “A variety of issues in my life has modified. I’ve discovered loads of classes. I’ve developed as an individual, as a fighter and I really feel like – I don’t wish to say I’ve bought it found out. However I’ve bought it extra found out. Simply seeking to continue to grow off this and preserve climbing and placing constant wins collectively.
“I’m very decided to place constant wins collectively. Maintain profitable. Clearly my first stint I went win one, lose one, win one, lose one. I do know what I’m able to and I’m able to placing constant wins collectively and I Simply have to go on the market and do it.”
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