Legendary former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson made his awaited ONE Championship debut on the main card of today’s (Sun., March 31, 2019) ONE Championship: A New Era from Ry?goku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.
‘Mighty Mouse’ was last seen losing a hotly-contested split decision to current champion Henry Cejudo at last August’s UFC 227. Prior to that, he reeled off 11 consecutive victories for the longest UFC title reign (in terms of wins) of all-time. Always a fan of Japanese MMA, Johnson felt it was the next step in his evolution as a fighter to make his way to Japan.
He met no easy task in Wakamatsu, a Pancrase Flyweight Tournament winner. Wakamatsu had his back against the wall, however, having lost his last two fights in ONE. He was last seen dropping a decision to Danny Kingad at ONE: Conquest of Heroes last September.
Round One:
Johnson came out pushing the pace. He clinched briefly with Wakamatsu in the opening minute. ‘Mighty Mouse’ went upstairs with a head kick, pressing the action. He landed a sting right and went for a takedown. Johnson got the takedown, but Wakamatsu got back up. The Japanese crowd chanted his name as the fight returned to the striking. Wakamatsu controlled the clinch this time around. DJ landed a knee and broke free to land a kick.
He followed with another straight right hand. Wakamatsu answered with a big shot and kick. Johnson threw a shot and went for a rapid double leg that was successful. He went to side control and landed knees on the ground. Wakamatsu got back to his feet and Johnson landed knees to the body to end the first round.
Round Two:
Wakamatsu came out strong with a big punch. He sprawled a takedown and looked great. But as Johnson can do, he took his opponent down and began to smother him. He again controlled the action from side control. He landed some knees when Wakamatsu got up and locked on a tight standing guillotine. The choke had tons of leverage and Wakamatsu had to tap. Awesome ONE debut from Johnson, who moves on the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix.
Final Result: Demetrious Johnson def. Yuya Wakamatsu via submission in the second (guillotine, 2:40)
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