Exclusive: Julian Marquez Talks His Love Of Pro Wrestling And UFC Victory

In this Fightful exclusive interview with James Lynch, Julian Marquez (7-1) discusses his second-round submission victory over Darren Stewart (7-3) at UFC on FOX 26 on Dec. 16. Julian also talks about how he's spending his 50k bonus, when he'd like to fight next and his plans for the holiday season. 

Marquez picked up the aforementioned victory at UFC On Fox 26 and despite the fight being the Kansas City native's UFC debut, one thing that Marquez didn’t deal with heading into the bout was the jitters many associate with a competitor's first UFC bout.

“Not at all man (feeling jitters in his UFC debut), this who who I am and this is where I want to be. I’ve been on the sidelines for years and whenever you get that call, get ready to show up. I wanted to do it big and I am glad that I did,” says Marquez.

The fighter earned himself a contract with the UFC after a brutal head kick knockout over WSOF veteran Phil Hawes at Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series Episode 4.

One thing many fans who saw Marquez compete for the first time at UFC On Fox 26 may not know is that the fighter is a longtime fan of pro wrestling.

“I loved pro wrestling growing up, trust me man. Like ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin was my favorite, my brother had The Rock and he loved that and Mr. Socko. We had that stuff and I loved watching it as a kid, but to be honest, I honestly did not expect…I didn’t see that beard call out (against Tyron Woodley) to be a wrestling promo. It was awesome (WWE Attitude Era), I think when the WWF switched to the WWE, that’s when it started going away and I didn’t love it as much. I still follow it from time to time because Tom Lawlor (MMA fighter turned pro wrestler) goes around and he does his little wrestling stuff. Eric Spicely (former wrestler turned UFC fighter) and not only that, my buddy back home in Kansas City, Anthony “Sharkbait” Gutierrez (is wrestling). I see them and they are funny and stuff, I love watching them do what they love,” says Marquez.

Marquez isn’t booked for his next fight at this time, but ending the year with a UFC win and $50,000 is a dream come true for the competitor.