UFC on ESPN 6 rookie report: Grading the newcomers in Boston

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.