UFC Fight Night 78 results: Ricardo Lamas batters Diego Sanchez, wins gritty decision

"The Bully" bullied a UFC veteran fighting in a new weight class on Saturday night (November 21, 2015).

Ricardo Lamas (16-4) defeated Diego Sanchez (25-8) by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 78 in Monterrey, Mexico inside Arena Monterrey.

All three judges scored the bout 30-27.

Lamas was just too much for the 13-year veteran, who was fighting in the fourth different weight class of his career. The nasty low leg kicks that Lamas landed on Sanchez proved to swing the momentum of the bout, but Sanchez showed his trademark heart and toughness and hung on until the end.

Sanchez and the No. 4-ranked UFC Flyweight eased into the first several minutes, but that changed soon enough as Sanchez landed a solid combination right before he ate a wheel kick from Lamas. "The Bully" also landed a takedown with a little less than two minutes left. The Illinois native was unable to secure a submission and Sanchez defended, got back up to his feet and landed a couple of standing elbows before the round's end.

In the second, Lamas pressed Sanchez up against the fence, but the 33-year-old veteran from Albuquerque, N.M., circled away. Soon after, Lamas landed a nasty low kick to the inside of Sanchez's right leg, which badly wobbled him. Lamas began landing big punches and more low kicks as Sanchez winced in pain. Lamas went in on a takedown and took the fight to the mat.

Sanchez hit a switch, and Lamas regained control in a back-and-forth grappling exchange. Lamas briefly took the back of Sanchez, but "The Dream" escaped. Lamas landed another solid kick to the right leg of Sanchez right before the end of the round.

Sanchez landed a nice combination to start off the final frame. Lamas missed poorly on another wheel kick attempt. The former UFC featherweight title contender landed another big kick to Sanchez'a calf and he retreated in pain and began to move gingerly on his compromised leg. Lamas came forward and landed some big punches, but Sanchez did not wilt. Sanchez, with a cut above his right eye, began egging Lamas on before throwing some wild punches at him.

A great performance by Lamas, who rebounds after a technical knockout loss to Chad Mendes his last time out. Sanchez drops to 14-8 in UFC with the loss.

For full UFC Fight Night 78 "Magny vs. Gastelum" results, including play-by-play updates, click here.