Fernando Padilla

Fernando Padilla (born December 15, 1996) is a Mexican professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in featherweight division of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Background Padilla's involvement with sports began at a young age, when as a child he would defend himself against those who tried to intimidate him. He started practicing karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the 10th Planet Chihuahua gym, where he began his transition to MMA.

Mixed martial arts career Early career Padilla began his professional career in April 2015, and achieved an undefeated 5–0 record before being defeated in March 2017 by Dan Ige at a Cage Fury Championships event.

During the next four years, Padilla competed for various promotions, including Legacy Fighting Alliance and King of the Cage, where he amassed 7 wins and 3 losses.

Fury FC champion On May 16, 2021, at Fury FC 46, Padilla defeated Cameron Graves by technical knockout after a knee strike in the second round, becoming the new Fury FC champion. It was his last fight before signing with the UFC. In that fight, he caught Dana White's attention when he executed the spinning elbow that gave him the victory.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Padilla made his UFC promotional debut against Julian Erosa on April 29, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 45. He won the fight by technical knockout in the first round.

Padilla faced Kyle Nelson on September 16, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 227. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Padilla faced Luis Pajuelo on March 23, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 53. He won the fight by submission with a Brabo choke in the first round. This victory earned him the Performance of the Night award.

Padilla faced Sean Woodson on December 14, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 63. He lost the fight by technical knockout at the end of the first round.

Championships and accomplishments Ultimate Fighting Championship Performance of the Night (One time) Fury Fighting Championship Fury FC Featherweight Championship (One time)

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Sean Woodson TKO (punches) UFC on ESPN: Covington vs. Buckley

Tampa, Florida, United States Win

Luis Pajuelo Submission (brabo choke) UFC on ESPN: Ribas vs. Namajunas

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Kyle Nelson Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Julian Erosa TKO (punches) UFC on ESPN: Song vs. Simón

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Cameron Graves TKO (elbow) Fury FC 46

Houston, Texas, United States Win

Nate Richardson Decision (split) LFA 99

Park City, Kansas, United States Loss

Spike Carlyle Decision (unanimous) California Xtreme Fighting 17

Los Angeles, California, United States Win

Donald Sanchez TKO (punches) LFA 58

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States Win

Fard Muhammad Submission (triangle choke) KOTC: 20th Anniversary

Ontario, California, United States Loss

Kurt Kinser Decision (split) KOTC: Under Siege

Alpine, California, United States Loss

Talison Soares Costa Decision (unanimous) LFA 30

Costa Mesa, California, United States Win

Jeff Mesa TKO (punches) Capone's Productions: Mid-Pac 5

Honolulu, Hawaii, United States Win

Darrick Minner Submission (triangle armbar) LFA 25

Omaha, Nebraska, United States Win

Ryan Fillingame KO (punches) KOTC: Never Quit

Ontario, California, United States Win

Sergio Perez Submission (armbar) California Xtreme Fighting 9

Los Angeles, California, United States Loss

Dan Ige Decision (unanimous) Cage Fury FC 64

San Diego, California, United States Win

Edgar Díaz Guzmán Submission (triangle choke) Combate Extremo: Nino vs. Loco

Monterrey, Mexico Win

Keni Harrison Submission (armbar) Red Cage 5

Chihuahua, Mexico Win

Kaleb Gonzales Submission (armbar) Red Cage 2

Chihuahua, Mexico Win

Kaleb Gonzales Submission (triangle choke) MMA Revolution: Equipo Durango vs. Equipo Chihuahua

Durango, Mexico Win

José Landeros González Submission (armbar) Red Cage 1

Chihuahua, Mexico Win

Carlos Rivera Decision (unanimous) World Best Gladiators 8

Chihuahua, Mexico