Nick Galanti Submits Julien Leblanc in First Round at UFC Edmonton

Nick Galanti needed just 1:26 to finish Julien Leblanc via rear-naked choke in their UFC Edmonton preliminary card bout on Saturday, picking up his first win inside the Octagon.

Galanti opened with a body kick that set up an immediate takedown. He passed to the back almost instantly, locked up the choke, and Leblanc had no answer. The tap came before Leblanc could mount any real offense.

What Galanti's Debut Win Means

Galanti arrived in the UFC off a quick knockout finish of Carlos Petruzzella on the Contender Series in August, and he turned around and delivered an equally fast finish in his actual promotional debut. Two fights, two quick stoppages, and a grappling instance that looked completely one-sided from the opening exchange. For a fighter making his first walk to a UFC cage, taking the back and finishing clean in under 90 seconds is about as strong a first impression as the promotion sees.

For Leblanc, the result is a second straight loss to open his UFC tenure. He dropped his debut to Robert Valentin back in April, and Saturday's quick submission loss puts him in a tough spot heading into his next outing. Back-to-back defeats without ever really getting established puts real pressure on his roster spot.

Betting Angle

Fighters who finish opponents this fast and this cleanly, especially in a UFC debut, tend to see their stock jump quickly in matchmaking and oddsmaking circles. Expect Galanti to open as a live favorite whenever his next fight gets booked, with his grappling entries now the clear line for opponents to study on film. Leblanc, on the other hand, becomes a tougher sell for bookmakers and matchmakers alike after consecutive quick losses, and he will likely be booked as an underdog until he can show he belongs at this level.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Nick Galanti beat Julien Leblanc at UFC Edmonton?

Nick Galanti submitted Julien Leblanc with a rear-naked choke in the first round at UFC Edmonton, finishing the fight in 1:26.

Was this Nick Galanti's UFC debut?

Yes, the win over Julien Leblanc was Nick Galanti's first fight under the UFC banner after he earned his contract with a knockout of Carlos Petruzzella on the Contender Series.

What is Julien Leblanc's UFC record after the Galanti fight?

Julien Leblanc dropped his second straight UFC fight, having previously lost his promotional debut to Robert Valentin in April.