Dominick Reyes decimates Chris Weidman in the first round

Dominick Reyes is surely the next man in line to fight UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones after knocking out Chris Weidman inside two minutes at UFC Boston.

Former UFC middleweight title holder Weidman took Reyes down in the early going, but the latter got to his feet against the former All American wrestler in impressive fashion.

Once upright, Reyes uncorked a stunning straight left counter which floored the advancing Weidman.

From there, Reyes landed some precise hammerfists to close the show as referee Herb Dean rushed into to call off the fight.

Reyes called out Jones after his win. The unbeaten Californian handed Weidman his fifth stoppage loss from six fights as he made his debut at light heavyweight.

 

Yair Rodriguez takes decision win over Jeremy Stephens

Yair Rodriguez got two great rounds in the bank early to ensure he won a unanimous decision against foe Jeremy Stephens.

In an entertaining, back-and-forth, brutal bout tinged with bad blood, “El Pantera” brought the fight to Stephens from the outset.

Making up for lost time after their UFC Mexico City main event contest was stopped early for an accidental eye poke, Rodriguez set the tone by launching into a flying kick as soon as the fight began.

From there, Rodriguez’s vast array of kicking attacks troubled Stephens, notably in round two when his body work paid dividends. A big body kick folded Stephens in half, before Rodriguez followed him down to the mat to rain down some ground and pound, even attempting a D’arce choke.

Stephens showed the ridiculous levels of grit you expect from the Iowan, somehow withstanding the heavy punishment being thrown his way as he constantly sought after a takedown for a brief respite.

The fight somehow made it to a third round and Stephens was the fresher of the two. “Lil’ Heathen” scored a couple of takedowns to pay back the now-fatigued Rodriguez with some big punches and elbows.

However, Rodriguez hung on to see out the final round and earn a deserved victory over their 15 minutes shared in the Octagon.

Fantastic fight, but I can’t help but feel we were all a bit cheated not seeing five rounds of this fantastic contest like we would have in Mexico City.

 

Greg Hardy in another controversial fight – wins, but overturned after using inhaler in between rounds

Greg Hardy went the distance for the first time in his fighting career on Friday night in Boston, besting Australian Ben Sosoli over three rounds.

It was a more disciplined performance from Hardy compared to what we have seen previously, showing patience by methodically keeping Sosoli behind a jab and leg kicks instead of charging in with looping hooks from the off.

Sosoli offered little in return. However, by the time the third round was approaching with both men in their corners in between rounds, a fatigued Hardy asked if he could use his inhaler.

An official allegedly gave Hardy permission to use an inhaler in the cage. Hardy proceeded to use it.

However, it turns out that official was incorrect. While Hardy cruised to a unanimous decision win, that victory was later overturned by the state athletic commission due to the inhaler.

It seems Hardy can’t avoid controversy either side of the cage.

 

UFC Boston: Dominick Reyes vs. Chris Weidman full results

Light Heavyweight: Dominick Reyes def. Chris Weidman by KO (punches) at 1:43 of round one
Featherweight: Yair Rodríguez def. Jeremy Stephens by unanimous decision after three rounds
Heavyweight: Greg Hardy def. Ben Sosoli by unanimous decision after three rounds
Lightweight: Joe Lauzon def. Jonathan Pearce by TKO (punches) at 1:33 of round one
Women’s Flyweight: Maycee Barber def. Gillian Robertson by TKO (punches) at 3:04 of round one
Catchweight: Darren Stewart def. Deron Winn by split decision after three rounds
Catchweight: Charles Rosa def. Manny Bermudez by verbal submission (armbar) at 2:46 of round one
Women’s Flyweight: Molly McCann def. Diana Belbiţă by unanimous decision after three rounds
Featherweight: Sean Woodson def. Kyle Bochniak by unanimous decision after three rounds
Bantamweight: Randy Costa def. Boston Salmon by TKO (punches) at 2:15 of round one
Welterweight: Sean Brady def. Court McGee by unanimous decision after three rounds
Middleweight: Brendan Allen def. Kevin Holland by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:38 of round two
Heavyweight: Tanner Boser def. Daniel Spitz by unanimous decision after three rounds