“Let me tell you what: If you didn’t like that flyweight fight, please, I’m begging you, don’t ever buy another UFC pay-per-view again,” he said. “Don’t ever buy another one. I don’t want your money. You’re a moron, you don’t like fighting and you don’t appreciate great talent or heart if you didn’t like that flyweight fight.”
Those were Dana White‘s thoughts at the post-fight press conference. The Toronto crowd did not seem to appreciate the action inside the cage for the first ever UFC Flyweight title fight, but do they hold the popular opinion?
In spite of the live crowd reaction, the championship fight between Demetrious Johnson and Joseph Benavidez was a success.
The flyweight title fight showcased why this division is so exciting. The top two ranked fighters in the division went toe-to-toe for 25 minutes.
Benavidez and Johnson showcased their well-rounded skill sets against one another, and left everything in the center of the Octagon for the fans. Perhaps the poor reaction from the live crowd had to do with the previous spectacular finishes, but even if so, they should recognize the talents of the flyweight elite.
Rarely are we treated to five rounds of extraordinary title fight action. These two magnificent fighters were able to deliver just that. Both men are incredibly tough to finish, and there is no shame for either fighter that they were unable to do that.
The two title contenders were able to show what the flyweights are able to do. Proficient striking, excellent grappling, and all at a breakneck speed.
Fans who enjoy technique over violence should enjoy the flyweights. That is not to say they are not capable of finishing a fight. Benavidez showed his knockout power in the tournament semi-finals. Yet, at the elite levels when fighters are closely matched, it is a hard objective to complete.
Both men are hard to hit and submit. It turns championship fights into point contests. On Saturday night, Johnson got the better end of that, and was able to outpoint Benavidez for the title.
Competitive fights are exciting. The back and forth action brings out the best in each fighter.
The flyweight title fight was able to give that to us at UFC 152.
I would be able to understand the plight of those in attendance if it were five rounds of stalling or 25 minutes of inaction, but that is the exact opposite of what Benavidez and Johnson brought in the cage. The lighter weights have consistently shown their excitement in the Octagon. It is time for fans to get on board.
The title fight was great. The flyweights will continue to deliver as the division grows.
Even the fans that booed in Toronto will soon find it hard to make the argument that the little guys don’t deliver constant action.
Benavidez and Johnson delivered at UFC 152, and that made the UFC Flyweight Championship battle a success.
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