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Jordan Leavitt spanks Yadier Del Valle in strange moment en route to UFC Houston win

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Donagh Corby | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 10:50 PM ET

Jordan Leavitt’s win over Yadier Del Valle won’t be making any headlines for its quality, but as always it did feature one memorable moment.

The popular lightweight contender made the move down to featherweight for tonight’s UFC Houston prelims, and looked as good as ever over three rounds. His last outing in May saw him pocket a bonus for his first round submission of former The Ultimate Fighter champion Kurt Holobaugh.

And while it’s likely that he won’t be picking up one of the new $100,000 payments tonight, Leavitt managed to go viral yet again, while also winning. After coasting to a decision win, in the final seconds he appeared to slap his rival’s rear end in a very strange moment.

Jordan Leavitt spanks Yadier Del Valle during UFC Houston win

While Jordan Leavitt and Yadier Del Valle’s fight was nothing to write home about, it has now become customary that the divisive American will make headlines no matter what. He scored a second straight victory by defeating the Cuban, and now moves on as a featherweight.

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Del Valle entered the cage with two quick submission wins under his belt inside the octagon and a perfect 10-0 record. But he looked to struggle with the veteran Leavitt, who had complete control at various points.

And as if to put a point on his dominance at the end of the fight, Leavitt literally spanked his rival in the closing seconds. The pair were locked in a grounded position, and the flamboyant American used it as a chance to make yet another viral moment after a drab showing.

Fans not impressed by Jordan Leavitt’s antics at UFC Houston

While Leavitt is something of a cult figure in the sport, he is generally unpopular and irks fans when he fights in what is viewed as a ‘boring’ style. And they were unimpressed with his behavior at the final moment, taking aim at both him and his opponent.

“Not sure how Yadier is in the UFC,” one fan wrote. “Was this a joke?” Another echoed those sentiments, insisting that “They both need to be cut.”

One particularly angered fan took to X, writing: “Jordan Leavitt really in the cage smacking another grown man’s a–. What are we doing man?”

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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