UFC Boston results: Rodriguez kicks his way to decision win over Stephens

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Yair Rodriguez just took a unanimous decision over Jeremy Stephens in the UFC Boston co-main event.

The UFC Boston co-main was the setting where top ranked featherweights Yair Rodriguez and Jeremy Stephens settled their unfinished business — after their recent UFC Mexico main event matchup ended with an unfortunate eye poke, just 15-seconds into the bout.

This time around, things went much more differently and was a million times more satisfying. After a tale of two fights, it was the #7 ranked featherweight, Yair Rodriguez, that walked away the decision win over the #8 ranked Jeremy Stephens. The fighters seemed to have buried the hatchet and showed ample respect after the final bell. Rodriguez solidified his slot on the 145-pound ladder, and should be primed for another high profile fight in his next go round.

The action picked up right away. Both men were swinging hard before clinching up. Back in open space, Rodriguez launched a varied attack at his opposition and started to get the better of the exchanges. The kicks of Rodriguez were quite effective at disrupting the rhythm of Jeremy.

Rodriguez clocked Stephens with a body kick that buckled him early in the second act. He pounced on his downed opponent, dropping a plethora of ground strikes. Stephens found himself stuck on his back, fending off the punches, but ultimately stood back to his feet. Stephens was able to find top position but quickly had to fight off a triangle attempt. As Rodriguez stood back to his feet, Stephens was able to deliver some hard blows of his own.

Stephens let his hands fly early in the final round as Rodriguez’s back was to the cage. He then blasted a short-lived takedown and continued to grind. With Rodriguez on his back, Stephens chipped away with short shots as he looked to improve his position. Yair started to eat elbows as Stephens poured it on down the stretch.

Yair Rodriguez def. Jeremy Stephens by unanimous decision (29-28 x3): Featherweight