After upset of Aalon Cruz in Norfolk, Spike Carlyle ready to fight at UFC 248

NORFOLK, Va. – Spike Carlyle beat Aalon Cruz with a first-round TKO Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC on ESPN+ 27 in Norfolk, Va.

Take a look inside the fight with Carlyle, who pulled the upset over the nearly 2-1 favored Cruz in both fighters’ UFC debuts.

Result: Spike Carlyle def. Aalon Cruz via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:25
Updated records: Carlyle (9-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Cruz (8-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Key stat: Carlyle came at Cruz from the opening bell and outstruck him 29-2 to get the quick win.

Carlyle on the fight’s key moment

“The finish came early, but I’m known for that. I’m a fast starter and I ended it with an exclamation point. I’m happy about that and hopefully I get rewarded for it.”

Carlyle on making his UFC debut

“What an awesome experience this has been. The UFC has taken great care of me. I’m so happy to be here and had a blast today. … This fight is no different – the octagon or any other promotion I’ve been in. It’s a fight. I’ve been doing this since the womb.”

Carlyle on what he wants next

“I can’t wait to fight on a main card and really get the full force and enjoy that energy. I think my suspension is for six or seven days, so put me in Vegas next week. Just kidding – but maybe. If I can cut the weight, I’m good to go whenever. Everything feels perfect. I’m just getting better and better and entering my prime.”

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