LAS VEGAS – Iganacio Bahamondes’s biggest career win came with a bit of mix feelings.
The rising lightweight contender was thrilled to get his hand raised Saturday on the main card of UFC 313 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, but was sad to see opponent Jalin Turner hang up his gloves at 29.
Bahamondes (17-5 MMA, 6-2 UFC) submitted Turner (14-9 MMA, 7-6 UFC) early in the first round of their bout, and almost immediately after Turner told Bahamondes he was done, just before then confirming the same with the media moments after.
“The truth is that it broke my heart because he told me that he was going to retire, that he was thinking about retiring because it no longer felt the same way, and he just didn’t feel it in his heart to fight,” Bahamondes said at the UFC 313 post-fight press conference. “I told him not to do it. I told him to go back home and think about it well and check on his motivations, but to not retire. I also invited him to our gym. He can come and train whenever he wants, and we’ll help him.”
Although sad for Turner, Bahamondes completed his objective at UFC 313 – which was to get a statement win over his first ranked opponent. On that end, the Chilean fighter is over the moon, but he assures that he’s just getting started.
“I’m living my best life right now, and it’s like a dream come true – and we’re not even half of my dream,” Bahamondes said. “We’re just at the top of the iceberg. I have a lot more to do and I want the belt. I want the belt. I want to be the best Chilean fighter, and with the belt. I’m already the best Chilean fighter right now. I’m the first one to be in the top 15. I’m here to break records and to win the belt.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 313.
