Deja-Vu As ‘Mighty Mouse’ Dominates Dodson
Demetrious Johnson has a wonderful knack for improving considerably in rematches, and while he couldn’t find the stoppage he wanted, he succeeded in completely shutting John Dodson down in their highly-anticipated rematch. Every bit as a fast-paced as their first duel, Johnson and Dodson raced around the Octagon, leaving even the most eagle-eyed spectators struggling to keep up.
The main difference this time however was Dodson’s inability to find success with his power strikes.
Utilising excellent footwork and head movement, ‘Might Mouse’ avoided Dodson’s primary weapon with ease, and punished the Jackson-Winkeljohn product for his efforts. The champion’s game plan remained consistent throughout as he pushed a punishing pace; grinding his challenger against the fence and scoring with an endless barrage of short striking combinations, head kicks and takedown attempts. ‘The Magician’ never found an opening, and looked soundly beaten after just a couple of rounds.
With this latest victory Johnson (Now 23-2-1, 11-1-1 UFC) has once again proved that he is currently peerless at 125 pounds. Six of the world’s finest flyweights have all stepped up to face the champion since he became the inaugural champion in 2012, and all six have been soundly beaten. There are still challenges in the division for Johnson, but it’s hard to see ‘Mighty Mouse’ dropping the belt anytime soon.
‘Pitbull’ Prevails In The Battle Of Comebacks
It was a fight over a decade in the making, but unfortunately the end product was not worth the wait as Andrei Arlovski eked out a disappointing decision win over fellow former champion Frank Mir. With both fighters desperate to keep their newly reacquired momentum alive, the action was slow and pensive with neither man seemingly willing to throw caution to the wind. Of the two veterans it was Arlovski who remained the more active, his constant jab and punching combinations playing a key role in the latest victory of his late career resurgence. Mir (Now 18-10, 16-10 UFC) will be disappointed with his latest performance: He succeed in taking ‘The Pitbull’ to the mat, but was unable to do anything with his opportunities.
‘Rumble’ Back On Track
Moving past recent controversies away from the Octagon, former title contender Anthony Johnson bounced back from his disappointing last performance with a scorching knockout victory over Britain’s Jimi Manuwa. Calmer and far more composed than before, Johnson remained patient as he sought the perfect opening, and even demonstrated improved grappling as he took Manuwa to the canvas with an excellent takedown. A body kick masked a wicked right cross that separated Manuwa from his senses little over a minute into the second round. A triumphant comeback victory for Johnson (Now 20-5, 11-5 UFC) who looks set to remain a vital part of the 205-pound title picture.
TUF Champ Anderson Batters Błachowicz
Confirming his status as a legitimate prospect at 205 pounds, TUF season 19 winner Corey Anderson got his young MMA career back on track with a lopsided, three round beatdown of former KSW champion Jan Błachowicz. Things started brightly for Błachowicz who threatened Anderson with a series of punching combinations and stiff kicks to the body, but the Pole quickly faded shortly after the opening frame, allowing Anderson to take over the bout with his effective wrestling. Not content to just hold his opponent on the ground, Anderson transitioned beautifully into advantageous positions and unleashed a suffocating tirade of strikes from mount and side control. Unanimous judges scores of 10-8 in the final two rounds perfectly summed up the complete domination enjoyed by the American.
VanZant Continues To Impress
At 21 years of age women’s strawweight contender Paige VanZant might not be quite ready to challenge the division’s deadly champion, but she definitely made a case for a future title shot with another masterful performance. Relentless with her assault, Team Alpha Male’s first female fighter wrecked her outgunned opponent, former TUF season 20 challenger Alex Chambers, from the very first exchange to the final, decisive armbar deep in the third and final round. Chambers had no answers as the younger, more fancied VanZant pursued the finish with a neverending barrage of knees and short elbows from the clinch, and eventually surrendered after ‘12 Gauge’ locked in a beautiful armbar out of nowhere for the quick tap.
UFC 191 Main Card Results:
Women's Strawweight
Paige VanZant def Alex Chambers via submission (armbar) in round 3
Light Heavyweight
Corey Anderson def Jan Błachowicz via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 29-26)
Light Heavyweight
Anthony Johnson def Jimi Manuwa via KO (punch) in round 2
Heavyweight
Andrei Arlovski def Frank Mir via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Flyweight Championship
Demetrious Johnson (c) def John Dodson via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 50-45)
Event Awards:
Best Fight: Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson
Best Finish: Paige VanZant
MVP: Anthony Johnson
What did you think of UFC 191? Leave your comments and analysis in the comments section below!
