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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Erickson and John Morgan

Julia Avila after 22-second TKO: ‘I’m that annoying fly, but now I’m making waves’

LAS VEGAS – Julia Avila beat Gina Mazany with a first-round TKO Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC on ESPN 10 in Las Vegas.

Take a look inside the fight with Avila, who was the second biggest favorite on the card at -650.

Result: Julia Avila def. Gina Mazany via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:22
Updated records: Avila (8-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Mazany (6-4 MMA, 1-4 UFC)
Key stat: Avila picked up the fourth fastest finish in UFC women’s bantamweight history. Ahead of her are Ronda Rousey (twice at 0:14 and 0:16) and Germaine de Randamie (0:16).

Avila on the fight’s key moment

“I knew I hurt her with that knee up the middle. I saw my prey and went in for the kill. My right cross is nothing to mess with. When I felt it land, I heard my corner say, ‘Attack.'”

Avila on no longer being under the radar

“It feels amazing. I’ve been working so hard for this. … I think the division has known about me. I’m that annoying fly in the background. But now I’m starting to make a couple waves. They’re starting to see what I’m capable of. I still have a lot to show. I have to earn my stripes. I look forward to that journey.”

Avila on what she wants next

“I don’t plan on taking easy fights. I’ve never thought to. But I’m also not going to ask for a title fight next week. I need to build my way there because I know I have holes in my game. Everyone has holes in their games. I need to refine that before I get to the top. When I get to the top, I want to stay there.”

To hear more from Avila, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

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