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UFC returned to the TD Garden in Boston for a card that was stacked with mouth-watering fights from top to bottom.
Chris Weidman made his UFC Light Heavyweight debut against the undefeated Dominick Reyes in the main event.
The highly explosive Yair Rodriguez took on the equally dangerous Jeremy Stephens in the co-main event of the evening, the second meeting between the two bitter rivals.
There were big finishes, hard-fought decision victories and some major statements made all throughout the night. There was also one big controversy featuring the polarizing Greg Hardy.
The former NFL Defensive End was seen using an inhaler between rounds in his fight tonight, which has been deemed to be illegal.
All said and done, the UFC matchmakers did a fine job of putting together a card that had something for everyone. So, let's not waste any more time and get right into the UFC results and highlights of the show:
UFC on ESPN 6 Results: Prelims
Charles Rosa def. Manny Bermudez via submission (armbar) (2:46, Round One)
Molly McCann def. Diana Belbita via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
Sean Woodson def. Kyle Bochniak via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Randy Costa def. Boston Salmon via TKO (punches) (2:15, Round One)
Sean Brady def. Court McGee via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Brendan Allen def. Kevin Holland via submission (rear naked choke) (3:38, Round Two)
Tanner Boser def. Daniel Spitz via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
UFC on ESPN 6 Results: Main Card
#1 Deron Winn vs. Darren Stewart (Middleweight)
Highly decorated wrestler Deron Winn put his undefeated record on the line against Darren 'The Dentist' Stewart in the main card opener of the night. Stewart won his last fight and was looking to use his impressive takedown defence against Winn, who is known for his wrestling.
As for Winn, the American Kickboxing Academy product won in his UFC debut against Eric Spicely and the plan for him was to continue the early momentum. However, it wouldn't be easy against Stewart.
Round 1: Stewart was quite loose on his feet in the early goings. Winn was stiff and shot for a double leg takedown within 30 seconds.
Stewart stuffed it and landed a few elbows from the top. Winn kept up the pressure but ate a knee to the face in the process. Winn stuck to his guns and eventually got Stewart down with some smart positioning.
Winn transitioned to the back of Stewart, got in the top lock and connected with knees to the back. Stewart stood and they broke up. Winn kept pressing forward and entered again. Another takedown for Winn.
Deron imposed himself in half guard before getting his back. Stewart worked his way back to his feet again but Winn had wrapped his hands around Stewart's back. They engaged in the body lock near the fence and Stewart landed some good short elbows. Winn landed another takedown with 50 seconds to go in the first round. That was his third takedown of the fight. Winn was comfortable in Stewart's guard this time.
Stewart landed some nasty elbows from the guard, one of which opened up a cut on Winn's forehead. The round ended with Stewart trying to attack from the back.
Round 2: Stewart looked loose and mobile as usual as Winn waited to pounce for the legs. Winn changed levels but was accidentally kicked in his groin. Winn was given a few seconds to gather himself before the fight resumed.
Stewart connected with the jab. Winn went forward and clinched with Stewart. Winn pressed his body weight forward and used the fence as well to get Stewart down again. Stewart gave his back again and got back to his feet.
That's been Stewart's strategy once taken down - give up the back and get back up. It seemed like Stewart was undermining Winn's choke game.
Nonetheless, back in the centre, Stewart landed a few good combinations and straight lefts and rights. Stewart used the left jabs and sent in the straight rights.
Winn shot for the takedown again. Stewart defended it this time and was pushed against the fence. However, Winn was relentless and briefly took him down. Stewart popped right back up and settled for having his back against the cage. Winn got in a few uppercuts in the clinch. Stewart got in a hard knee of his own. Stewart landed a big right that pushed Winn back. The buzzer may have saved Winn there.
Round 3: Stewart's corner asked him to go fight and let his hands loose. He did the Ali Shuffle and was the man going forward in the final round. He tried to create angles for his striking and landed a few jabs. Winn was less aggressive and Stewart meant business. Solid right from Stewart, who followed it up with a few left hook and a 1-2.
The left jabs followed by the lead right from Stewart. Winn tried an overhand right but Stewart got his guard up. Stewart scored a takedown midway through the final round. Winn, however, stayed patient and got into the guard of Stewart with two mins left to go. Stewart landed a couple of elbows from the back. Winn landed a few overhand lefts and right in the guard.
Stewart slipped out and got back up to his feet. Winn slammed him down to the mat within seconds. Stewart gave his back and got back up yet again. That has been the strategy.
Both men stood up in the centre with 30 seconds to go. Stewart swung his hands wildly in the hope of landing the money shot. Winn tried a fancy capoeira kick as the fight came to a close.
Result: Darren Stewart def. Deron Winn via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Despite having 5 mins of control time, Deron Winn was unable to impress the judges. Many fans and pundits would have given the nod to Winn as he had the takedowns, however, he didn't do much once the fight was on the ground. Stewart landed more shots on the feet as well as while being on his back. It was controversial but the judges may have got it right here.
#2 Maycee Barber vs. Gillian Robertson (Women's Flyweight)
Rising UFC Women's Flyweight contenders Maycee Barber and Gillian Robertson were looking to rise in the rankings with a win as both women were outside the top 10. Robertson was coming off two consecutive wins while Barber maintained her spotless record after two UFC fights.
Barber was ranked #12 while Robertson was on #15 going into tonight's fight.
Round 1: Barber loosened her hands with the left-hand jabs. Robertson was busy herself as she attempted a few kicks before shooting for Barber's legs. Robertson landed a few good shots in the pocket. Robertson changed levels. It was a fake as she went back up and landed a combination. Robertson went in for the single leg but Barber stuffed it. Robertson settled for the clinch against the fence. Barber got in a few good elbows and short punches. Barber connected with an elbow on the break that hurt Robertson.
Barber then unleashed a barrage of punches and elbows as Robertson retreated. Barber followed her and her hands flowed as she connected with big rights and lefts. Maycee caused a lot of damage with one particular elbow that hit Robertson right in her temple. The lefts and rights kept coming in before the referee stepped in to stop the fight. Barber lit up the TD Garden with an explosive striking display there.
Result: Maycee Barber def. Gillian Robertson via TKO (3:04, Round One)
Barber's seventh finish was clinical and ruthless. The Future maintained her undefeated streak with a dominant display against the unpredictable Robertson. Barber even called out Paige Van Zant in her post-fight interview and that, my folks, is a fight to watch out for.
#3 Joe Lauzon vs. Jonathan Pearce (Lightweight)
The man who famously knocked out the legendary Jens Pulver back in 2006, Joe Lauzon is back in his hometown of Boston for his 27th UFC fight. His opponent this time was UFC debutant, Jonathan Pearce, who looked to wreck Luzon's homecoming party.
Lauzon had lost his last three fights and a win in front of his people was the plan heading into the fight. Did Lauzon get back into the win column though? Let's find out.
Round 1: Low leg kick from Pearce. A push from Lauzon. This one didn't take time to heat up. Lauzon looked focussed as he tagged Pearce with some big shots and a few 1-2s in the pocket. Pearce was rocked and he engaged in a body lock.
Lauzon knew the finish was the around the corner as the fans egged him on. He tripped Pearce down to the mat and isolated Pearce's right arm by locking his arms around his shoulders and head.
It looked painful as a powerless Pearce couldn't move his right hand and Lauzon went on to punish him with huge right-hand punches from the top. Pearce just couldn't defend and Herb Dean did the honours of stopping the fight. The fans inside the TD Garden popped hard. Great atmosphere.
Result: Joe Lauzon def. Jonathan Pearce via TKO (1:33, Round One)
You just can't hate Lauzon. The veteran didn't disappoint the rousing hometown fans as he went on to finish off a UFC Debutant in the first round. The win ends Lauzon's three-fight losing streak and irrespective of what's next for 'J-Lau', it's been a treat to watch him strut his stuff inside the Octagon.
#4 Greg Hardy vs. Ben Sosoli (Heavyweight)
There's never a dull moment when the controversial Greg Hardy is around. The former NFL Defensive End has finished all his five wins and has already fought thrice in 2019. His opponent, Ben Sosoli may not be a known figure as this was his first UFC bout, however, he was no slouch. Did the Australian underdog pull off a massive upset on his UFC debut? Only one way to find out...
Round 1: The reach advantage was noticeable as Hardy looked the larger man. The crowd was firmly on Sosoli's side as he got a few cheers for some strikes.
Hardy was quick with his jabs in the opening stages. Sosoli was finding it tough to get into the range and engage in the pocket. Hardy maintained his reach with the jab. Hardy connected with an inside leg kick. Both men were scouting each other's strikes well thus far.
Sosoli attempted a sloppy takedown. He faked the right and went for a lead left. Hardy moved away. A solid body shot from Sosoli. The Australian didn't want to overextend himself and waited for his moments. Both fighters trade shots in the pocket. Hardy looked good as he was fast and athletic in the opening round.
Hardy had landed 15 significant strikes to Sosoli's eight. Sosoli suffered a cut under his right eye. Hardy looked comfortable as he got through Sosoli's guard on a few occasions with the left jabs and a right. The round ended with Hardy showboating a little.
Round 2: Hardy landed the jabs with his left. He got ina good right-hand shot as well. Hard kick to the body from Hardy. He attempted a superman punch and looked measured in his approach.
An outside leg kick was used by Hardy. He followed it up with a couple of leg kicks. Sosoli answered with a three-piece combo. Hardy stayed long and kept going in and out. He moved his head well to avoid the incoming strikes. Sosoli was throwing bombs but none of them landed.
There was another inside leg kick from Hardy. Sosoli kept going for the left hook but he also needed to use his right to keep Hardy guessing.
Hardy connected with a stiff jab and had landed 18 significant strikes in the second round. Sosoli tried to force the clinch but Hardy moved away. Hardy looked tired but Sosoli couldn't capitalize as the round ended amidst a chorus of boos.
Round 3: Sosoli tried to get into the pocket again but Hardy remained elusive. Hardy waited for Sosoli to commit before connecting with his offence.
Hardy continued to connect with the leg kicks. Sosoli wanted to find a way in using the jabs but Hardy's head movement was top-notch today.
Sosoli finally landed a big right hand followed by a left hook. Sosoli went for the wild left hook on many occasions but Hardy looked way too smooth. Sosoli briefly lost his balance and Hardy attempted to finish the fight, however, Sosoli retreated in the knick of time.
Sosoli landed a good shot with a minute left to go. Big right hook from Sosoli. He changed levels and landed a big left hook. The fight came to a close with Sosoli trying to rile up Hardy.
Greg Hardy went the distance for the first time in his career but he was never in any trouble during the fight. Sosoli could have pulled off an upset if he had been a little more aggressive. He even had the fans on his side, however, Hardy put on a mature performance to get his fourth win of the year. However, there was an unexpected twist in store.
Result: Greg Hardy def. Ben Sosoli via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Final Result as per UFC: The fight result was later changed to a no-contest after Greg Hardy was found using an inhaler between round 2 and 3. Given below is Greg Hardy's statement as per Ariel Helwani.
Weirdly enough, Hardy used an inhaler between rounds, which, as far as we know, is certainly not legal. Will Hardy be pulled up for it? Will the UFC act upon the incident? Dana White has to answer a lot of questions in the post-fight press conference.
As per ESPN's Brett Okamoto, UFC vice president of regulatory affairs called it completely illegal during the broadcast.
#5 Yair Rodriguez vs. Jeremy Stephens (Featherweight)
The fight that ended in a disappointing no-contest at UFC Fight Night 159 had to happen again. This time it was a three-round co-main event bout. It was time to walk the talk.
Round 1: Yair went for a ridiculous flying head kick right off the gate. Insane!
Yair went back in and clinched with Stephens. He attempted the leg trip but Stephens maintained his posture. Stephens flipped the position and had the under-hooks while pushing Yair against the fence. They broke up and Yair went for his trademark kicks.
Yair connected with a hard body kick and followed it with another body kick. He used an oblique kick and then a beautiful 1-2 was followed. A solid jab from Stephens. Another leg kick from Yair. Good counter left hook from Stephens.
Yair attempted a flying knee which Stephens defended by changing levels. Stephens clinched against the cage before both men returned to the centre. They clinched again for a few seconds. A solid body punch from Stephens. Spinning body kick attempt from Yair. He went up top with a kick. Side kick-body kick combination from Yair.
Stephens got knocked down in the closing stages of the first round.
Round 2: Yair looked animated as he casually mucked around with his movement. Yair's kicks were beautiful and snappy. It came from different angles and were targeted at various impact points and they all connected sweetly.
One such kick stunned Stephens. Yair connected with a massive body kick that shut Stephens down. Stephens dropped down to the mat with a follow-up leg-sweep and Yair jumped in for the finish.
Yair unloaded with huge strikes, however, Stephens somehow managed to stay in the fight. Yair went off but Stephens stayed conscious and defended enough to keep the referee at bay.
Yair momentarily looked for the armbar before going back to the hammer fists while looking for the finish. Stephens showed tremendous grit to survive and get back on his feet. Stephens threw a few fighting shots and ate another body kick.
Stephens managed to get Yair down. He looked to throw big elbows from the top. Yair looked to work an Arm Triangle. Stephens showed off his good ground striking.
Stephens landed a big knee as Yair got back up to his feet against the cage. Yair covered up and the fans were voracious inside the TD Garden. Stephens went for the kill but the time was up in the second round. What a round!
Round 3: Stephens refused the fist bump. Stephens landed a massive punch that pushed Yair Back. Stephens looked pumped up as he chased Yair like a dog. Yair continued to go for the body kicks.
Stephens shot for the takedown and got Yair down. He landed punches from the side before Yair worked his way up to the feet.
Stephens landed another takedown and got into Yair's guard. Yair landed a few elbows from the bottom. Stephens connected with elbows from the top and side punches with his left.
Short elbows from Stephens in half mount. Stephens was dominating this round in top control. Stephens kept landing big shots while being in Yair's guard. Massive elbows and punches. He continued to do so until the end of the round. Now that was a freakin' fight!
Result: Yair Rodriguez def. Jeremy Stephens via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Jeremy Stephens' late boom wasn't enough to get him the win here. Despite the unmatched resiliency showed by Stephens, Yair did just enough in the first two rounds to get the nod from the judges on the scorecards.
In the end, it was great to see two rivals put on a barnburner and then bury their hatchet after the fight. This was MMA at its all-round finest folks.
#6 Dominick Reyes vs. Chris Weidman (Light Heavyweight)
Former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman promised to put the Light Heavyweight division on notice in his debut against the undefeated Dominick Reyes. Did he live up to his word? Let's get to it! Main event time!
Round 1: Leg kick from Reyes as we got things underway. Weidman changed levels and got Reyes down against the fence.
The clinch lasted for a while before they broke up. Weidman landed a body kick and lunged in for a left. He connected but Reyes countered with a perfect straight left, which was fast, precise and landed straight to Weidman's jaw.
Weidman's knees gave up and the All American was on his back. Reyes attempted to finish the fight but Weidman resisted by getting his legs in the way. Reyes used his reach, caught hold of Weidman's left leg and landed a few hammer fists that knocked Weidman out. That's all she wrote.
Result: Dominick Reyes def. Chris Weidman via TKO (1:43, Round One)
Reyes did everything that was expected of him. He showed solid takedown defence and knocked out Weidman with a counter straight left, which was quite reminiscent of Conor McGregor's knockout over Jose Aldo.
The No.4 ranked Reyes called out Jon Jones in his post-fight interview and in all honesty, Reyes vs. Jones is the way forward. Book it, Dana!
