VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Hunter Azure beat Brad Katona with a unanimous decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC on ESPN+ 16 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Take a look inside the fight with Azure, who stayed unbeaten with a win in his UFC debut.
Result: Hunter Azure def. Brad Katona via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
Updated records: Azure (8-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Katona (8-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC)
Key stat: Azure doubled up on Katona in significant strikes, but gave up three takedowns to Katona in the win.
Azure on the fight’s key moment
“(Dana White’s) Contender Series prepared me a lot for this moment. I was a lot more nervous during that show. That’s the job interview right there, so I was a lot more nervous during that. This week, I already had the job, so I just had to come in here and show what I can do.”
Azure on fighting in hostile territory
“Fighting Brad in his back yard didn’t change much. I’m fighting to be No. 1. I’m training for the best guy each time. Everyone is tough here, so I’m just treating it like they’re No. 1 and I’m coming to take their spot.”
Azure on what he wants next
“Getting my first win feels amazing. I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life. It’s good to come in here and show the world where I’m at, and I’m just going to keep coming and getting better.”
To hear more from Azure, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
