Fighters from around the globe dream of the day they’ll step into the UFC octagon for the first time. For seven athletes, Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 6 event marked that special moment in their career.
Check out this week’s rookie report to see what kind of first impression those fighters made on the sport’s biggest stage from TD Garden in Boston.
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Tanner Boser
Division: Heavyweight
Result: Tanner Boser def. Daniel Spitz via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Record: (17-5-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Grade: B+
Tanner Boser is just fine with you talking about his mullet rather than his fighting skills. He also doesn’t mind if you say he looks like a fitter version of the man best known as “Big Country,” Roy Nelson. But focusing on only those aspects of his debut would be a great disservice to “The Bulldozer.”
Boser was incredibly composed in his UFC debut, moving well for a big man, switching stances and peppering Daniel Spitz’s legs before landing big punches up top, as well. Boser wasn’t necessarily always the man moving forward, but it was clear he was sticking to a solid gameplan, utilizing his mobility to neutralize his opponent’s length.
In terms of evaluating his complete game, we didn’t get to see much in the realm of grappling, but Boser’s ability to manage range and fire in punches and kicks from both sides was impressive, especially in a UFC debut. His performance didn’t necessarily scream “future UFC champion,” but he’s not going to be an easy out for anyone looking to stand and trade at heavyweight.
Brendan Allen
Division: Middleweight
Result: Brendan Allen def. Kevin Holland via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 3:38
Record: (13-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Grade: A-
Brendan Allen was all action from the start in his UFC debut, aggressive from the opening bell and relentless in his grappling against a very dangerous Kevin Holland. Allen hoped it would result in a “Fight of the Night” bonus, just so he could buy a specialized wheelchair for his paralyzed brother, proving his incredible character both in and out of the cage.
The pressure eventually earned Allen a second-round submission victory, and he certainly appear to be someone who can make an impact in the middleweight division. The only criticism toward his performance was his willingness to put himself in disadvantageous positions, a habit that saw him forced to battle out of a few earnest submission attempts, as well as suffering a nasty cut over his left eye.
“All In” was impressive and exciting, just the type of fighter that fans will rally behind. He’ll just have to be wary of the situations he’s willing to explore when he reaches the top levels of the division.
Sean Brady
Division: Welterweight
Result: Sean Brady def. Court McGee via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Record: (11-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Grade: B+
The quality of his tattoos may be up for debate, but Sean Brady proved the quality of his fighting game is certainly UFC level.
Debuting against a gritty veteran like Court McGee all but ensures you’re not getting a stoppage victory, but Brady certainly did his best. Quick, powerful punches saw him score an early knockdown, and his constant pressure ensured McGee would struggle to every really get any sustained offense working. Brady kept his opponent honest with a bit of work in the grappling department, as well, but his contest was about the work on the feet.
As you would expect, McGee gained strength and momentum as the fight wore on. But in the end, Brady showed why he’s long been considered a can’t-miss prospect, and he appears ready to shine after getting the nerves of his debut win behind.
Sean Woodson
Division: Featherweight
Result: Sean Woodson def. Kyle Bochniak via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Record: (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Grade: A-
The long, lanky frame Sean Woodson presents is intriguing. One the one hand, it seems he might not have the strength needed to match his opponents, but on the other, it gives him clear advantages in terms of height and reach. Woodson seems to embrace his natural gifts and implements a style that helps him to utilize his build to his advantage.
Against Kyle Bochniak, Woodson was incredible composed, not concerned with his opponent’s aggression and easily turning aside takedown attempts while retreating to range and utilizing slick boxing skills to score with his hands from a variety of angles. The accuracy of his punches was remarkable, and his ability to work in knees in a flash gives him a dangerous weapon in the standup game.
Woodson remained poised over the course of 15 minutes, displaying good head movement in defense and then crisp boxing skills to attack and cruising to a decision win. I do wonder how his takedown defense will hold up against the division’s elite grapplers, but if he’s able to stay upright and let his hands go, he’s going to be very difficult to address.
Diana Belbita
Division: Women’s flyweight
Result: Molly McCann def. Diana Belbita via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
Record: (13-5 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Grade: D
With youth on her side at just 23 years old, Diana Belbita has plenty of time to develop. But she’s going to need to do it quickly.
A longtime karate stylist, Belbita shows some talent on the feet and hang there. However, in the clinch and with her defensive wrestling, it’s a different story. Molly McCann is a brawler by trade, but she found it difficult going in the standup department based on Belbita’s volume and willingness to engage. grappling was a different story, losing a point for grabbing the fence while defending a takedown and just struggling to offer any real sound defense.
McCann is an improving fighter, but her grappling skills aren’t considered elite. Still, she absolutely dominated Belbita on the floor en route to a clear decision win.
Belbita has heart and some clear athletic prowess, but she must shore up the wrestling game in short order, or she will cotinue to pat the price.
Jonathan Pearce
Division: Lightweight
Result: Joe Lauzon def. Jonathan Pearce via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:33
Record: (9-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Grade: F
UFC matchmakers didn’t do Jonathan Pearce any favors for his promotional debut, pairing him against one the sport’s most experienced competitors in Joe Lauzon. Oh, it was also in Lauzon’s backyard and in what may serve as the veteran’s retirement fight.
Truthfully, it won’t get much more difficult than that for Pearce anytime soon.
That said, Pearce was absolutely overwhelmed, taken to the ground early and locked in a painful-looking position before Lauzon unleashed a barrage of powerful punches. Thankfully, the while thing was mercifully called off after just 93 seconds.
It was a career highlight for Lauzon, but a devastating debut for Pearce, who will need a complete reinvention in his next fight out.
Ben Sosoli
Division: Heavyweight
Result: Greg Hardy vs. Ben Sosoli declared a no contest
Record: (7-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Grade: C+
Ben Sosoli certainly isn’t the “can” some fans made him out to be in advance of his matchup with Greg Hardy, but it was clear that he was playing the role of “opponent” in the contest. To that end, Sosoli gave a good showing, standing up to the powerful attacks of his bigger opponent and pushing until the end, forcing Hardy to push himself in going 15 minutes for the first time in his career.
On the bad side, while Sosoli was gritty, he was also predictable, and it wasn’t difficult for Hardy to settle into a comfortable routine and use his natural athleticism to outgun a smaller foe.
In the end, this fight will certainly be remembered for Hardy’s bizarre decision to utilize an inhaler prior to the start of the third round, resulting in a no contest ruling. But Sosoli deserves some credit for proving his durability and his willingness to face a dangerous foe, even if he neglected to show anything truly threatening on offense.
