First meeting in Johnson’s maiden defence of the newly established title back in January 2013, the two flyweights engaged in one of the most technical and fast-paced battles in UFC history. Dodson found his range early and even dropped the champion with a perfectly placed left in the second round, but Johnson’s wider skillset and superior cardiovascular endurance swung things in his favour as the fight wore on. ‘Mighty Mouse’ may have won the fight with a deserved unanimous decision nod, but no-one has pushed the 125-pound king harder than ‘The Magician’.
Don’t let the wide smile and cheerful antics fool you; John Dodson is a vicious and well rounded fighter who packs incredible power for a 125-pounder. Winning the fourteenth season of The Ultimate Fighter after quickly demolishing the now-Bantamweight champion T.J Dillashaw, Dodson dropped back down to his natural weight class where he has remained perfect aside from his title setback against the champion. Speed and diverse striking combinations make up the majority of ‘The Magician’s’ offence, but his one-punch knockout power is his primary weapon, and has been responsible for some of the nastiest finishes in the lower weight classes.
Dodson’s limited gas tank has remained his achilles heel for much of his career, but he has made significant improvements in this regard since his first title shot. Dodson’s durability should also be noted: in his 23-fight, eleven year professional career, he has never been knocked out or submitted.
Dodson’s limited gas tank has remained his achilles heel for much of his career, but he has made significant improvements in this regard since his first title shot. Dodson’s durability should also be noted: in his 23-fight, eleven year professional career, he has never been knocked out or submitted.
About as close to a thoroughbred fighter as you can get, Demetrious Johnson’s long association with the excellent Matt Hume has seen him grow to become one of the sport’s most technical and well-rounded fighters. Highly athletic and completely comfortable in every area of the game, ‘Mighty Mouse’ has had the perfect answer for every opponent he has encountered thus far. A first-round savaging of the former consensus best flyweight on the plant, Joseph Benavidez, a wincing submission triumph over John Moraga, a drawn-out technical mauling of Kyoji Horiguchi, and a complete squash of Chris Cariaso, Johnson has succeeded in not only establishing himself as one of the UFC’s greatest champions, but he has almost completely cleaned out the division in the process.
Prediction: If their first encounter proved anything it was that Johnson can be hurt if caught, and this is something that Dodson will almost surely look to right off the bat. ‘Mighty Mouse’ has a knack for starting slow and feeling his opponents out, but this might not be the wisest strategy here. ‘The Magician’ possesses speed and power advantages, but it’s still clear that despite his recent growth he can’t compete with the grappling, submissions and conditioning of the champion. Expect another wildly entertaining battle, but don’t expect anything different from their first fight. Johnson to continue his excellent reign via a dominant decision victory.
UFC 191 Main Card Predictions - Picks in bold:
Women's Strawweight - Paige VanZant vs. Alex Chambers
Light Heavyweight - Jan Błachowicz vs. Corey Anderson
Light Heavyweight - Anthony Johnson vs. Jimi Manuwa
Heavyweight - Andrei Arlovski vs. Frank Mir
Flyweight Championship - Demetrious Johnson (c) vs. John Dodson
UFC Fight Picks 2015 Record: 64-36
What do you think will happen at UFC 191? Leave your predictions below!
Prediction: If their first encounter proved anything it was that Johnson can be hurt if caught, and this is something that Dodson will almost surely look to right off the bat. ‘Mighty Mouse’ has a knack for starting slow and feeling his opponents out, but this might not be the wisest strategy here. ‘The Magician’ possesses speed and power advantages, but it’s still clear that despite his recent growth he can’t compete with the grappling, submissions and conditioning of the champion. Expect another wildly entertaining battle, but don’t expect anything different from their first fight. Johnson to continue his excellent reign via a dominant decision victory.
UFC 191 Main Card Predictions - Picks in bold:
Women's Strawweight - Paige VanZant vs. Alex Chambers
Light Heavyweight - Jan Błachowicz vs. Corey Anderson
Light Heavyweight - Anthony Johnson vs. Jimi Manuwa
Heavyweight - Andrei Arlovski vs. Frank Mir
Flyweight Championship - Demetrious Johnson (c) vs. John Dodson
UFC Fight Picks 2015 Record: 64-36
What do you think will happen at UFC 191? Leave your predictions below!