UFC New Jersey video recap: Johnson batters Bader to first round KO

Anthony Johnson picks up his second consecutive knockout victory and a Performance of the Night bonus at UFC on Fox 18.

Anthony Johnson continued his winning ways as he once again scored a stoppage victory, this time over TUF winner Ryan Bader in UFC on Fox 18’s main event feature.

Official result: Anthony Johnson def. Ryan Bader via knockout (punches) at 1:26 of round 1

What was the high point of the fight?

While both men do carry knockout power in their hands, as decorated wrestlers it was expected for them to tie up sooner or later. But it was Johnson’s ability to maintain top position when Bader tried to take him down that put him in control of the entire fight and eventually lead him to victory.

Bader may have held on to the kimura attempt for too long, even when Johnson already had full mount. This pretty much placed him in a more compromising position, which in turn led Johnson to efficiently capitalize on.

Where do these two go from here?

The loss evidently places Bader further away from a title contender shot. A rematch with Glover Teixeira could be a viable option, and a victory would be a good morale booster.

Johnson, on the other hand, could very well be the next in line for a title shot. But given how the business works, and how the UFC is seemingly headed for a Cormier-Jones rematch, he may have to sit it out for a while first  or take another fight.

Watch it now, later, or never?

Since he made his return to the UFC, Rumble has lived up to his nickname with four of his last five victories ending by knockout. It was another solid and dominant performance, which is always fun to watch.

Anthony Johnson picks up his second consecutive knockout victory and a Performance of the Night bonus at UFC on Fox 18.

Anthony Johnson continued his winning ways as he once again scored a stoppage victory, this time over TUF winner Ryan Bader in UFC on Fox 18’s main event feature.

Official result: Anthony Johnson def. Ryan Bader via knockout (punches) at 1:26 of round 1

What was the high point of the fight?

While both men do carry knockout power in their hands, as decorated wrestlers it was expected for them to tie up sooner or later. But it was Johnson’s ability to maintain top position when Bader tried to take him down that put him in control of the entire fight and eventually lead him to victory.

Bader may have held on to the kimura attempt for too long, even when Johnson already had full mount. This pretty much placed him in a more compromising position, which in turn led Johnson to efficiently capitalize on.

Where do these two go from here?

The loss evidently places Bader further away from a title contender shot. A rematch with Glover Teixeira could be a viable option, and a victory would be a good morale booster.

Johnson, on the other hand, could very well be the next in line for a title shot. But given how the business works, and how the UFC is seemingly headed for a Cormier-Jones rematch, he may have to sit it out for a while first  or take another fight.

Watch it now, later, or never?

Since he made his return to the UFC, Rumble has lived up to his nickname with four of his last five victories ending by knockout. It was another solid and dominant performance, which is always fun to watch.