UFC on ESPN 7 rookie report: Grading the newcomers in Washington D.C.

Fighters from around the globe dream of the day they’ll step into the octagon the first time – so how did the newcomers perform on Saturday?

Joe Solecki

Joe Solecki and Matt Wiman

Division: Lightweight
Result: Joe Solecki def. Matt Wiman via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
Record: (9-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Grade: A

[autotag]Joe Solecki[/autotag] couldn’t have asked for a better UFC debut. Well, a finish would have been the last step in solidifying an absolutely perfect octagon start, but he came about as close as possible, dominating a gritty veteran in Matt Wiman from start to finish.

Wiman did his best to bait Solecki into a standup battle, but the Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner stuck true to his gameplan, changing levels at the earliest opportunity in each round and driving the action to the canvas, where he dominated the action in both the striking and grappling department.

Wiman’s frustration got the best of him in the final round, as he finally was able to gain a moment of top position and drive his face against his opponent’s while clearly voicing a few displeasures. Solecki kept his cool, and he cruised to a very impressive decision win, 30-26, 30-26 and 30-27. MMA Junkie actually had the fight 30-25.

Wiman’s best days are behind him, that’s clear. But Solecki dominated him, which is all you can ask against an overmatched opponent. Keep an eye on him moving forward.

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