DENVER – Mike Trizano feels vindicated by his first win following “The Ultimate Fighter 27.”

Trizano didn’t exactly wow MMA fans with a decision over Joe Giannetti to win the “TUF” crown. A tactical three-round fight wasn’t the entrance he hoped to make after the reality show.

Still, he took offense to predictions that he’d stumble against fellow cast member Luis Pena (3-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 139. So when he worked his way to a split call over “Violent Bob Ross,” the win was that much sweeter.

“Regardless of what social media has been saying about how he should have won, how’s that for you guys?” Trizano told reporters, including MMAjunkie, backstage after outpointing Pena on the FS1-televised prelims of Saturday’s event at Pepsi Center.

Although he doesn’t put too much energy into pre-fight hype, even Trizano (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) could notice how much attention Pena got for his unique look and clever nickname. But Trizano was unimpressed by the credentials his opponent boasted of prior to the fight. Among them was a stint with UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

“I’ve never gone with Khabib, but dude’s wrestling a bear,” Trizano said. “I’m sure Luis was a ragdoll for a few weeks. I don’t know how much good work he got. It could maybe make him tougher, but I’m pretty sure Khabib tossed him around, as well as all the other guys he trained with. I don’t know if I’d want to be a training partner for Khabib, to be honest.”

A product of Tiger Shulmann’s Martial Arts, a gym that’s produced several high-profile UFC talents from the East Coast, Trizano is confident in his abilities whether or not he’s cast as the favorite. In the end, he said, it’s his abilities that ultimately get him ahead.

Now 8-0 as a professional, he can start building his own hype train.

For complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 139, check out the UFC Events section of the site.

Gallery Mike Trizano def. Luis Pena at UFC Fight Night 139: Best photos view 8 images

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