MEXICO CITY – Kyle Nelson beat Marco Polo Reyes with a first-round knockout Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC on ESPN+ 17 in Mexico City.
Take a look inside the fight with Nelson, who picked up his first win in the UFC and snapped a two-fight skid.
Result: Kyle Nelson def. Marco Polo Reyes via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:36
Updated records: Nelson (13-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC), Reyes (8-7 MMA, 4-4 UFC)
Key stat: Reyes lost for the third straight time, all in 2019 and all by knockout.
Nelson on the fight’s key moment
“I was kind of taking my time and when the opening was there, I threw that elbow and it all came together.”
Nelson on changing things up
“My last couple fights, I was in great shape. Skill-wise, I was great – techniques, as well. I think it was a little bit the mentality that was wrong. I went a little too hard too early, so this time I was pacing myself a little bit.”
Nelson on what he wants next
“Coming off two losses, I don’t want to try and call anybody out. But I think that I just proved with that performance that I’m ready for anyone in the UFC. So Sean Shelby, get a hold of me – I’ll be ready in a couple of weeks.”
To hear more from Nelson, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
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