Johnson (left) and Dodson (right) already faced each other in 2013, with victory for the champion. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
The only champion that the UFC flyweight category has had to date, Demetrious Johnson has in mind not only the defense of his title, but also his legacy in MMA. And, in the main fight of UFC 191, this Saturday (1st), the North American intends to get even closer to the biggest record holder in the history of Ultimate.
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Since winning the title in 2012, Johnson has defended the belt six times, establishing his dominance among 57 kg fighters. Before John Dodson, the champion aims to achieve his seventh defense, which would equal the longest streak in progress, belonging to José Aldo. However, Johnson goes further: his ultimate goal is to surpass the Anderson Silva, who defended the middleweight belt ten times between 2006 and 2013.
At UFC 191, Johnson will face the challenger who gave him the most trouble inside the Octagon. Dodson fought evenly with the champion in January 2013, including applying two knockdowns. The champion, however, managed to impose his relentless fighting rhythm and prevailed in the judges' decision.
Just over two years later, Johnson and Dodson face each other again. The champion is betting on his versatility, speed and impeccable physical preparation to beat the challenger again, who threatens with his great knockout power.
And if UFC 191 will be important for the lighter men's category, the same applies to the heavyweights. The veterans Frank mir e Andrei Arlovski Finally, they will meet inside the Octagon in a fight that could determine the next name to compete for the 120 kg weight belt.
Mir and Arlovski are two of Ultimate's most veteran athletes, and both former champions of the category. However, throughout their long careers, their paths never crossed inside the Octagon.
The North American goes into the fight trying to confirm his resurgence in the UFC once and for all. After suffering four consecutive setbacks, Mir comes from two knockout victories, over Antonio Pezão and Todd Duffee. Arlovski has had impeccable performance since returning to the organization, with three wins.
The main card of the event also features the former challenger for the light heavyweight belt Anthony Johnson, which faces Jimi Manuwa with an eye on his recovery. Already the rising star of the women's straw division paige vanzant tries to gain even more notoriety against Alex Chambers.
Brazilians are present on the preliminary card
The main fights of UFC 191 do not feature Brazilians, but there are several of them on the preliminary card. Starting with John Lineker, who moves up to bantamweight after suffering a weight cut at flyweight and faces the dangerous Francisco Rivera.
Jéssica “Bate-Estaca” Andrade entered the schedule at the last minute, agreeing to do the rematch against Rachel Pennington, whom he already defeated last year. Tiago Trator wants to get back on track to winning against Clay Collard, while Joaquim “Neto BJJ” and Nazareno Malegarie TUF Brasil 4 veterans face off.
Check out the UFC 191 technical sheet below:
DATE AND TIME: 05/09/2015, from 19:45 pm (Brasília time)
PLACE: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas (USA)
STREAMING: Combat Channel
MAIN CARD
Flies: Demetrious Johnson x John Dodson;
Heavy: Andrei Arlovski x Frank mir;
Light heavyweights: Anthony Johnson x Jimi Manuwa;
Light heavyweights: Jan Blachowicz x Corey anderson
Straws: paige vanzant x Alex Chambers
PRELIMINARY CARD
Mild: Ross Pearson x Paul felder;
Roosters: Francisco Rivera x John Lineker;
Roosters: Jessica Andrade x Rachel Pennington;
Roosters: Clay Collard x Tiago Trator;
Medium: Joe Riggs vs. Ron Stallings;
Mild: Joaquim Neto BJJ x Nazareno Malegarie
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