Demetrious Johnson retains flyweight title at UFC 191
Demetrious Johnson retains flyweight title at UFC 191
Published: 03:21 pm Sep 06, 2015
LAS VEGAS: Demetrious Johnson unanimously outpointed John Dodson on Saturday night at UFC 191 to retain the flyweight title. Johnson (23-2) received winning scores of 49-46, 49-46 and 50-45 from the judges. Dodson dropped to 17-7. The fight was a rematch between the two lightning fast fighters, with Johnson winning the first bout by unanimous decision. 'Last time we fought I tried to do too much,' Johnson said. Johnson pressed forward for much of the first round, with Dodson trying to maintain his range and keep his distance. Neither fighter landed any significant early strikes. Johnson continued as the aggressor in the second round, but Dodson was able to trip the champion and defend against his takedowns. Johnson's relentless pressure had Dodson pressed against the fence for part of the third round and he began to find his rhythm, landing a number of short punches, kicks and elbows. Johnson's momentum carried into the fourth round and the champion began landing heavier combinations with consistency. By the end of the fourth, Dodson's offense had slowed, his nose was bloodied and his face was beginning to swell. Johnson maintained control in the fifth and final round, taking Dodson down multiple times and often finding a home for his straight right hand. Johnson was able to limit most of Dodson's offense throughout the fight and control the action to earn the decision. 'I'm a hard worker and I love working for what I have,' Johnson said. 'Dodson said I was garbage, but look at my face. I'm still pretty. That's what good technique will get you.' In a bout between former heavyweight champions, Andrei Arlovski unanimously outpointed Frank Mir in three rounds. 'I'm disappointed that it went three rounds, but it's a victory, it's good,' Arlovski said. 'I definitely underestimated him.' Arlovski (25-10), the fourth-ranked UFC heavyweight, moved into contention for a possible title fight. Mir dropped to 18-10. The judges scores it 29-28, 29-28 and 30-27. Arlovski landed some power punches to take the first round and was able to control the majority of the action in the final two rounds to secure the decision.