Matt Frevola had no thought of tapping to Luis Pena at UFC Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. – Matt Frevola beat Luis Pena with a split decision Saturday on the main card at UFC on ESPN+ 19 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.

Take a look inside the fight with Frevola, who was one of three underdogs to win on the main card.

Result: Matt Frevola def. Luis Pena via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Updated records: Frevola (8-1-1 MMA, 2-1-1 UFC), Pena (7-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC)
Key stat: Pena won the striking battle 60-51, but Frevola landed four takedowns.

Frevola on the fight’s key moment

“Whatever submission he had in that first round was tight. I was in side control, so I thought I was safe. I slammed him on his head with it, but then it got it tighter after. There was no way he was going to finish it. He would have had to put me out because I wasn’t tapping here. I found some room to breathe and let him gas his arms, and then I could get out.”

Frevola on winning in front of his home fans

“(It) felt amazing to fight in Tampa. I went to high school around here. I love this city and these people. I had to dig deep for that win. There was no way I was going to lose that third round, so I dug deep and got it done.”

Frevola on what he wants next

“I’m looking forward to the next fight, and looking forward to getting back to the gym, keep evolving my tools, and steamrolling the next guy. I’d like to come back February or March. I’ve got to talk to my coaches and we’ll see whose schedules line up.”

To hear more from Frevola, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.