UFC Vegas 116 took an emotional turn when one of the fighters on the card broke down after his win. 32-year-old Victor Valenzuela, who was making his debut on the promotion, had just lost his grandmother during fight week. So, after he defeated Max Griffin via unanimous decision, he pulled out a note while speaking to Daniel Cormier during the post-fight interview. 

“The plans of God are perfect,” a visibly emotional Valenzuela said, per translation. “I’m here, and my faith remains intact. My grandma has always told me, ‘Ask God for things, and he will get you what you want.’ And every day is going to be a result of that for the plan of your life. Queca, I love you. Thank you because for some way, in some way, you were with me today, and this victory is yours.”

As for his fight, Victor Valenzuela endured a slow start in his UFC debut against Max Griffin, with both men struggling to find rhythm early. Griffin stayed elusive, landing counters and mixing in timely takedowns to edge the opening rounds. Valenzuela lacked urgency through two frames, allowing Griffin to dictate the pace. 

In the third, however, Valenzuela surged forward with pressure, forcing exchanges and finding success in close-range boxing. The final round was the most competitive, as both fighters traded in the pocket. Valenzuela’s late push proved decisive, earning him a hard-fought victory. The judges scored the fight 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 all in his favor. 

Before coming to the UFC, Valenzuela fought in several promotions, including Shooto, Fury FC, LFA, and even Dana White’s Contender Series. In any case, Valenzuela’s situation closely resembles what happened in UFC Winnipeg just a few days ago. 

Robert Valentin dedicated his win to his late mother

Robert Valentin delivered one of the most emotional moments at UFC Winnipeg, dedicating his long-awaited victory to his late mother. After securing a first-round rear-naked choke win, the Swiss fighter broke down in tears during his post-fight interview, revealing the personal heartbreak he had been carrying.

“I’m sorry, guys, I never cry,” Valentin said. “But I dedicate this fight to my mom. She died during my last fight week, and I know she’s watching me. I love you.  I worked so hard to get this first win in the UFC, and I want to thank everyone who stood by me when I was down, and no one believed in me.”

The win marked his first in the UFC after three tough losses, making the moment even more significant. 

That being said, it appears fighters have used the deaths of their loved ones to fuel their dedication to win. But what did you think about the fight?