Chris Padilla starts hit list of UFC's European lightweights: 'I see myself as a conquerer'

LONDON – Chris Padilla beat Jai Herbert with a split decision Saturday to close out the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 255 at The O2 in London.

Take a look inside the fight with Padilla, who won for the sixth straight time.

Chris Padilla def. Jai Herbert

Result: Chris Padilla def. Jai Herbert via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Updated records: Padilla (16-6 MMA, 3-0 UFC), Herbert (13-6-1 MMA, 3-5-1 UFC)
Key stats: Padilla went to a decision for the first time in nearly eight years.

Padilla on the fight’s key moment

“I wasn’t worried about the decision. I was worried about fighting that I’m not thinking about numbers. I’m just trying to win. When I hit him with the elbow, I wanted to finish him. So that’s it.”

29-28, 28-29, 29-28 #UFCLondon

Chris Padilla beats Jai Herbert by split decision! pic.twitter.com/2jV3mwFAEe

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 22, 2025

Padilla on his bad cut

“I couldn’t see nothing from my left eye. There was blood pouring down, but I was ready to run that sh*t up no matter what. … I felt that instantly. The blood instantly went over my eyes. I couldn’t see anything. I knew he caught me, but when I’m in, I’m a dog. I don’t care about this (cut). I’ve already given my body away to this game. There’s nothing anyone can do in there besides knock me out”

Padilla on what he wants next

“Ah yes I do. Not so much names, but more of, I would say, a continent. I’m here in Europe, guys, so I’m here to call out all the top European lightweights. If you were a Cage Warriors champion, I’m here for you. I’m looking to move down. I just got England down. I’m looking at France next. So (Chris) Duncan (from Scotland) just won, so I’ll run that up. Then let’s go to Spain. Let’s go to Australia and then I’m here to take Russia.

“I see myself as a conqueror. Personally, I’ve thought I’ve fought in the United States my whole life and I’m ready to walk down this continent. But I want to lock it down. My job is to represent the West Coast, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

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

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.