Johnson suffered, but defended the flyweight belt for the 9th time. (Photo: Getty Images)
It was harder than expected, but Demetrious Johnson showed why he is the biggest fighter in the UFC today and defended his reign at flyweight (up to 57,6 kg.). The unknown Tim Elliott, who only got the chance to fight for the title because he won TUF, the organization's reality show, gave the champion a big scare in the first round and came close to submitting and knocking out the belt holder. But 'Mighty Mouse' showed why he is number 1 in the rankings among all categories, adapted his game to the challenger's style and won by unanimous decision from the judges.
With the triumph, Demetrious Johnson reached the ninth consecutive belt defense and was just one triumph away from equaling the Brazilian's record of 10 defenses in a series Anderson Silva.
The fight between Johnson and Elliott was the main attraction of the TUF 24 Finale, an event also called UFC Fight Night Vegas, held in the early hours of this Sunday (04), in the United States.
The fight
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The challenger Tim Elliott He had an unsuccessful stint at the UFC and was fired in 2015. He agreed to enter the house of TUF, the UFC's reality show, in search of a new contract and the chance to challenge the super champion Demetrious Johnson. The unknown fighter not only won the TV show, but came close to dethroning the flyweight champion.
In the first round, Elliot went all out on the champion and landed good shots. The challenger even took down Demetrious and used a dangerous guillotine, where the champion struggled to escape. later in the stand-up fight, when Johnson was still recovering from the shock on the ground, Tim landed a strong punch that took 'Mighty Mouse' to the ground. However, in his eagerness to end the dispute, Elliot tried to kick his rival on the ground – which is allowed – and the referee prevented him from continuing the attack on the ground.
The short break was enough for DJ to recover and go in search of recovery.
From the second round onwards, the dream of Tim Elliott It was becoming a nightmare. Demetrious quickly adapted his game to his rival's style and took control of the fight. The champion abused his speed and quick takedowns, where he always worked in search of the submission.
In the third round, Elliott already felt the intense pace of the fight and lost strength. In turn, Johnson continued with his usual intensity. With some ease, DJ took the fight to the ground and almost ended it with a rear naked choke. The champion, however, took him down again and worked on top with punches and submission attempts.
In the fourth round, the story of the previous part was repeated. DJ used the movement to shorten and take down his rival. On the ground, the champion once again came close to finishing on two occasions. First with a rear naked choke, well defended by Tim and then with an American, which didn't fit.
Back in the papers, Tim Elliott it was all or nothing again in the fifth round. He combined good kicks to shorten and take down the champion. However, Johnson quickly reversed position and was on top. The challenger, even from below, tried to strike from wherever possible, with elbows from below, punches and even open-handed slaps to the champion's face, who remained calm and in control of the fight.
Without taking any risks, Demetrious Johnson He controlled the fight without any fear in the final minutes to win the judges' decision (49×46, 49×46, 49×45) and maintain the UFC flyweight title.
TUF 24 Finale Results:
MAIN CARD
Demetrious Johnson derrotou Tim Elliott in the unanimous decision of the judges (49×46, 49×46, 49×45)
Joseph Benavidez derrotou Henry Cejudo in the judges' split decision (27×29, 29×27, 30×26)
Jorge masvidal derrotou Jake ellenberger by technical knockout at 4m05s of R1
Jared Cannonier derrotou Ion cutelaba in the unanimous decision of the judges (29×28, 29×28, 29×28)
Sara McMann finished Alexis Davis with a katagatame at 2m52s from R2;
Brandon Moreno defeated Ryan Benoit via split decision (29×28, 28×29, 29×28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Ryan Hall defeated Gray Maynard in the unanimous decision of the judges (30×27, 30×27, 29×28)
Rob font derrotou Matt schnell by technical knockout at 3m47s of R1
Dong Hyun Kim defeated Brendan O'Reilly via unanimous decision (29×28, 29×28, 29×28)
Jamie Moyle defeated Kailin Curran via unanimous decision (30x27, 30x27, 30x27)
Anthony Smith defeated Elvis Mutapcic by technical knockout (punches) at 3m27s of R2;
Devin Clarka defeated Joshua Stansbury via unanimous decision (30x27, 30x27, 29x28)
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