It took 30 seconds into the fight for Herrera to earn his check.

“Fighting in the UFC is a dream come true,” Herrera said. “The Mexican people gave me so much energy. Facing Vernon was really hard because we are such good friends, but that is how it goes in this sport.”

A well-placed pair of punches face-planted Ramos (3-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) to the canvas just 30 seconds into the fight, giving Herrera (9-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC) his first UFC win. A dream performance against seasoned opposition in Vernon will only keep his him busy and moving up the ranks.

With Herrera and Ramos both eliminated in the “TUF” quarterfinals, Herrera takes a head start in his UFC career while Ramos suffers the first pro loss of his short resume. With finishes like this we may see more preliminary fighters taking bonuses home.