Video: Nick Newell gets back in win column with first-round choke, calls for UFC opportunity

Nick Newell came home and re-discovered his winning ways.

Competing back in Connecticut for the first time since 2015, Newell made quick work of short-notice replacement Antonio Castillo Jr. (10-12) at CES 56 in Hartford on Saturday. Newell needed 2:06 to secure a rear-naked choke on Castillo and earn the first-round finish.

Post-fight, Newell called for another crack at a UFC roster spot.

“I’ve been grinding for 19 years, I’ve been fighting professionally for 10 years. I’m 15-2, I—what the f*ck are you thinking, UFC? Let’s make this happen.”

Newell, a congenital amputee, was competing for the first time since losing a unanimous decision to Alex Munoz last July on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series. The 33-year-old was aiming to earn a UFC contract after long campaigning for a chance to sign with the world’s largest MMA promotion.

He improved to 15-2 with the win and has now won four of his last five bouts.

CES 56 aired live on UFC Fight Pass.