Darren Stewart showcased his newly-improved cardio in a hard-nosed fight against wrestling specialist Deron Winn at UFC Boston.
Darren Stewart landed a big right hand to start the fight and Deron Winn answered with a takedown attempt. The wrestler ate some elbows, but fought through it and took Stewart down. Stewart worked his way up and separated. Winn landed an overhand right and immediately got a takedown on a staggered Stewart. Stewart walked upt the cage and started connecting with elbows on the pressuring Winn. Winn slammed him down and rode out the round on top.
Stewart kept his distance in the second round, staying behind a jab against the much shorter Winn. Winn rushed and Stewart landed a knee to the body, but his foot caught Winn’s cup, leading to a pause in action. Winn didn’t take much time to get back to it and landed a slick takedown when the fight resumed. However, when Stewart got back up, Winn was a bit winded, and Stewart was landing with more consistency. Winn’s takedown attempts were coming up short and Stewart landed a big knee against the fence. Winn responded with a big combo, but Stewart came back and rocked him with a straight punch at the end of the round.
Saved by the bell! @Darren_MMA stuns Winn at the end of round 2! #UFCBoston pic.twitter.com/PEwIyrkPlQ
— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2019
Deron Winn was a bit slow to start the third round, but landed a big shot that got Stewart backing up. Stewart collected himself and began landing combinations. Stewart took Winn down, but Winn turned it into a single leg takedown for himself. Stewart got up, but was thrown down soon after. After the fight returned to the feet, Stewart won the exchanges on the feet to close out the round.
Darren Stewart def. Deron Winn by Split Decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)
