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Despite looking a bit shaky one day earlier, Luis Pena showed up on fight night, battling his way past a durable Steven Peterson.
The catchweight bout (Pena missed the featherweight limit) was part of the main card of today’s UFC on ESPN+ 6 event at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. It streamed on ESPN+.
Peterson (17-8 MMA, 1-2 UFC) was incredibly aggressive to open, rushing forward with strikes and then pushing inside for a takedown. Pena (6-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) latched in a kimura grip as he defended against the cage, but as he turned the action to the floor, Peterson switched to an armbar. Pena slammed his way out of the hold, then pushed down to top position as Peterson scrambled on his back. With Pena looking to attack, but Peterson was able to rise, but he couldn’t immediately create space to work. Once he did, it didn’t necessarily pay off, with Pena landing crisp strikes on the feet and bloodying up his opponent’s face.
Peterson rushed out again to start the second, looking to press the action. Pena tried to retreat and strike, but Peterson was able to move inside and drag the action to the floor. As Pena worked to the feet, Peterson jumped to the back. However, Pena was ready, grabbing the arm and using his head to peel Peterson off and back to the feet. Peterson was relentless, again dragging the fight to the floor and slipping to the back, though Pena was able to defend and turn inside. Once free, Pena unleashed a barrage of punches, adding in a flying knee or two along the way, as well.
Peterson rushed forward again in the third, but Pena was there to meet him with some impressive uppercuts up the middle, as well as a high kick that was blocked. Peterson tried to keep the pressure high, but Pena responded well to every effort, countering on the feet and as they grappled. When the fight transitioned to the floor, Pena looked for a kimura that didn’t materialize and left him on his back. However, he didn’t stay there, wisely sweeping to the top. Peterson tried to threaten with an armbar, but Pena pulled free with ease. Peterson tried to attack the right leg, but Pena against was able to navigate his escape. Peterson tried to scramble up, but he was clocked there with a high kick, ending any hope he had of a come-from-behind victory. When the bell sounded, it was clear Pena had done enough, taking home the decision with scores of 30-27 across the board.
Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN+ 6 results include:
- Luis Pena def. Steven Peterson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Maycee Barber def. J.J. Aldrich via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:01
- Bryce Mitchell def. Bobby Moffett via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Marlon Vera def. Frankie Saenz via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:25
- Jennifer Maia def. Alexis Davis via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Randa Markos def. Angela Hill via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 4:24
- Chris Gutierrez def. Ryan MacDonald via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Jordan Espinosa def. Eric Shelton via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
For complete coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 6, check out the UFC Events section of the site.
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