UFC flyweight Eric Shelton heads into Saturday’s UFC on Fox 28 fight card fresh off of his first UFC win. 

Shelton defeated Jenel Lausa at UFC Fight Night 121 back in November, breaking a two-fight skid inside the UFC Octagon. In that fight, Shelton recorded dominant rounds of 30-27, 30-26, and 30-25 on the judges' scorecards.

“It was amazing,” Shelton told FloCombat. “It was a long time coming. I had lost two split decisions, so this one, it just solidified me and showed I’m supposed to be where I'm at. Now I just have to keep climbing the rankings and try to get to the top.”

The performance was flawless from the Team Spratt fighter, as he was able to impose his will on Lausa.

“I feel I mixed it up well,” Shelton said. “I took him down and controlled it when I got to the ground — ground and pound, I wasn't just holding him there. 

"I impose my will. It was my night that night.”

Shelton had previously made his name during season 25 of the UFC’s reality show, "The Ultimate Fighter." Fans were able to get to know Shelton, and more importantly, he impressed the UFC enough to earn a contract.

“['The Ultimate Fighter'] was where it all started,” Shelton said. “It was everything to me. 'The Ultimate Fighter,' it was definitely a blessing. I wouldn't take it back. It's something that helped me grow.”

The Illinois native now looks to keep his run of good fortune going as he meets Alex Perez this Saturday in Orlando, Florida.

“He's well rounded, but I think I've shown people what I'm all about,” Shelton said. “I think I can beat him everywhere. I think I can beat him in the stand-up. I think I can beat him on the ground. 

"All in all, I'm excited for it.”

As for the fight itself, Shelton doesn’t expect it to go past the first round. 

“I'm looking for a first-round finish,” Shelton said. “I'm going to try to go in there and get the job done as soon as possible.”

By Lucas Grandsire