Author: Donald Wood

UFC 174 Results: Complete Breakdown of Johnson vs. Bagautinov Fight Card

After a show full of exciting results, including Demetrious Johnson successfully defending the UFC Flyweight Championship against Ali Bagautinov, the UFC 174 pay-per-view was worth the investment from MMA fans purchasing the event.
Not only did Johnson…

After a show full of exciting results, including Demetrious Johnson successfully defending the UFC Flyweight Championship against Ali Bagautinov, the UFC 174 pay-per-view was worth the investment from MMA fans purchasing the event.

Not only did Johnson retain his title, but the card also saw Rory MacDonald, Ryan Bader and Andrei Arlovski walk away victorious from Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Here are the complete results from Sunday’s show and a breakdown of Johnson vs. Bagautinov. 

 

Breaking Down the Main Event

There were many fans and experts who believed Bagautinov would push Johnson to his limit in the main event, but the defending UFC flyweight champion successfully retained the belt via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45).

Bagautinov looked strong at times in this fight—he took Johnson down twice during the five-round battle—but this was Johnson’s chance to shut down the doubters.

Johnson landed 164 strikes, with 133 of those being classified as significant. While it was clear Bagautinov was the better wrestler, he only landed 66 strikes, and just 36 of those were considered significant.

Bleacher Report’s MMA Twitter feed talked about how convincing this unanimous-decision victory was for Johnson:

Saturday’s victory was Johnson’s sixth in a row and fourth successful title defense, but it was the dominant fashion in which he earned the win that really turned the heads of those who believed Bagautinov was going to walk away with the title.

Rob Tatum of The MMA Corner talked about Johnson’s upward trajectory:

With Johnson only getting better, the entire flyweight division has been put on notice. Just as Anderson Silva ran roughshod over the middleweight division for so many years, the unique combination of power, speed and accuracy will help keep Johnson on top.

It was clear that Bagautinov pushed Johnson’s wrestling abilities past their limits, but the defending champion knew how to minimize damage and return the fight to the stand-up position, where he had the advantage.

After several brutal knees and kicks to the face—no one will ever question the toughness of Bagautinov after this war—it became obvious to the crowd and the judges that Johnson was the better overall fighter and Saturday’s victor.

As to the questions about who is next for Johnson, the answer should be John Dodson.

Johnson successfully defended his title against Dodson in the Fight of the Night winner in January of 2013, and a rematch would be an ideal main event for a PPV. Dodson has serious power in his hands and would challenge Johnson for the belt.

While Dodson would land some heavy punches, the tenacity and pure counterattacking instincts of Johnson would result in yet another title defense for one of the pound-for-pound toughest men in the sport today.

 

*Stats via UFC.com.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Johnson vs. Bagautinov Results: Winner, Scorecard and Analysis

In the main event of Saturday’s UFC 174 pay-per-view, flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson successfully defended his title against No. 1 contender Ali Bagautinov via unanimous decision.
Johnson won every round on all three judges’ scorecards. M…

In the main event of Saturday’s UFC 174 pay-per-view, flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson successfully defended his title against No. 1 contender Ali Bagautinov via unanimous decision.

Johnson won every round on all three judges’ scorecards. MMA Junkie has the official scores:

How clear of a decision was it? Bleacher Report MMA says just about any panel could have gotten this one right:

Mixing in a great balance of speed, defense and unpredictable strikes, Johnson stayed one step ahead of his tough Russian challenger.

At no point in the fight did Johnson look in peril.

Bagautinov gave a great account of himself, but he was simply outclassed by a champion who looks to be getting better with every fight.

Rob Tatum of MMA Corner seconds that:

Early in the fight, Johnson let it be known that he wouldn’t be running to stay away from Bagautinov’s power. He claimed the middle of the Octagon with aggression and elite skill. Bagautinov deserves credit for his toughness.

He took several hard shots but lasted to the end, despite being beat physically and mentally.

Johnson changed levels beautifully and brutalized the challenger’s midsection with kicks and knees. BR MMA had a colorful description of Bagautinov’s abdomen:

Johnson won the first-ever flyweight championship against Joseph Benavidez in a thrilling fight in 2012, and his victory on Saturday night against Bagautinov was his fourth consecutive title defense.

Before Johnson was fighting for the flyweight title, he was in a heavier weight class fighting the likes of Dominick Cruz for the bantamweight championship.

With the addition of the smaller class, Johnson has been able to fulfill his abilities and is proving to be one of the pound-for-pound toughest fighters in mixed martial arts. Add in wins against Ian McCall, John Dodson and Benavidez on top of the victory over Bagautinov and Johnson is proving to be a dominant force.

After the bout was over, per the UFC PPV broadcast, Johnson said: “I’m the king right now. I’ll stay that way as long as I can.”

From the looks of things on Saturday, that could be a very long time.

As big as the win is for Johnson, it is equally as devastating for Bagautinov.

The Russian fighter had won 11 straight fights coming into Saturday’s main event. The loss to Johnson will knock him down the rankings and force him to restart his hunt for the title.

Johnson will now have to turn his focus to his next challenger. Look for top fighters, such as Dodson, to throw their name in the mix for a potential fight and expect wild card McCall to be in the conversation if he can beat Brad Pickett in July.

For now, though, Johnson is the top dog in the flyweight division.

 

*Stats via UFC.com.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC 174: Start Time, TV Schedule and Picks for Johnson vs. Bagautinov Fight Card

The main event for Saturday’s UFC 174 pay-per-view features a marquee UFC flyweight championship bout between defending champion Demetrious Johnson and No. 1 contender Ali Bagautinov.
While the main event will be an exciting matchup, there is a d…

The main event for Saturday’s UFC 174 pay-per-view features a marquee UFC flyweight championship bout between defending champion Demetrious Johnson and No. 1 contender Ali Bagautinov.

While the main event will be an exciting matchup, there is a deep card full of potentially show-stealing battles worthy of the PPV card.

Here is all the vital viewing information for Saturday’s show, the full match card with predictions and the matchup fans can’t afford to miss.

 

Where: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, Canada

When: Saturday, June 14 at 10 p.m. EDT    

Watch: Pay-per-view (local service provider)

Live Stream: UFC.com

 

 

Underrated Matchup: Rory MacDonald vs. Tyron Woodley

While most eyes will be focused on the title match between Johnson and Bagautinov, the potentially most exciting battle of the night will be the welterweight bout between Rory MacDonald and Tyron Woodley.

Both men have an immense amount of talent, and Mike Chiappetta of Fox Sports talks about the betting line coming into this matchup:

For Woodley, the battle against MacDonald is his chance to prove to Dana White and the UFC officials that he deserves a shot at the division’s title.

Woodley’s win over Carlos Condit was a bit of a fluke due to an injury, but his previous victory against Josh Koscheck came via a devastating knockout. The fight against MacDonald will be Woodley’s chance to ensure the UFC takes notice of his talents.

When asked about earning a potential title shot with a victory on Saturday, Woodley told MMAjunkie Radio, via MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, about his view of the situation:

I think the best performance is going to get a title shot. My goal is really to focus on beating Rory MacDonald in a dominant fashion—to go up to Vancouver and do my thing. Everything else, whether they give me a shot or not, I’m eventually going to win the world title. I’m going to be in the title picture. … I just need to focus on this kid because if I go out there and I don’t win, then I’m not getting a world title anyway.

As well as Woodley has fought, he will be facing an incredibly tough test against MacDonald.

While a loss to Robbie Lawler two fights ago derailed his title hopes temporarily, MacDonald bounced back with a decision victory over Demian Maia in a bout that was awarded the Fight of the Night bonus at UFC 170.

With six wins in his last seven fights—including marquee victories over B.J. Penn, Nate Diaz and Jake Ellenberger—there is no doubt that MacDonald is carrying serious confidence into his bout with Woodley.

MacDonald is well versed in striking and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but Woodley will utilize his elite wrestling skills to limit the danger presented by the Canadian challenger. With Woodley possessing heavy strikes of his own, this has the chance to be the fight of the night.

If Woodley sticks to his game plan and brings the fight to the ground, he should be able to steal the victory and make a case to be the No. 1 contender in the welterweight division.

Predicted Winner: Woodley via TKO

 

*Stats via UFC.com.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC 174 Predictions: Latest Projections for Johnson vs. Bagautinov Fight Card

Saturday’s UFC 174 pay-per-view from Rogers Arena, Vancouver, Canada, is one of the most exciting shows of the year thus far, and it’s time to break down the card and share the latest predictions.
The main event will see UFC flyweight champ…

Saturday’s UFC 174 pay-per-view from Rogers Arena, Vancouver, Canada, is one of the most exciting shows of the year thus far, and it’s time to break down the card and share the latest predictions.

The main event will see UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson defending his title against No. 1 contender Ali Bagautinov, and the rest of the card is also filled with exciting matchups.

Here is all the vital viewing information, the full match card with predictions and a main event preview.

 

Where: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, Canada

When: Saturday, June 14 at 10 p.m. EDT    

Watch: Pay-per-view (local service provider)

Live Stream: UFC.com

 

 

Main Event Preview and Prediction

When Demetrious Johnson squares off against Ali Bagautinov in the main event of Saturday’s UFC 174 PPV, mixed martial arts fans will be treated to one of the most anticipated flyweight matchups in history.

While both men are tough fighters, Jon Anik of Fox Sports 1 is reporting that the betting line is heavily in favor of Johnson:

For Johnson, he has successfully defended the title three times since winning the inaugural UFC flyweight championship against Joseph Benavidez in 2012. With five straight victories, it is clear that the fighter they call “Mighty Mouse” will be tough to beat.

Leading up to his main event bout against Bagautinov, Johnson explained to Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports about how coach Matt Hume has taken his talents and helped hone them into the championship fighter we see today:

This is about my two-year anniversary of being a full-time fighter under Matt Hume. Before that, I was working under him just two days a week, and it wasn’t enough. My second fight with Ian McCall, that’s when I did it and I was strictly underneath Matt. Everything I did, Matt saw it and he was there every day.

Doing that, I started to believe more and more in my skillset and trust in my gifts and abilities to go out and finish guys.

As well as Johnson has fought, he will face his toughest test to date Saturday against Bagautinov.

The Russian fighter has won 11 straight fights and his first three with the UFC. After dominating John Lineker, Tim Elliott and Marcos Vinicius in the first bouts of his five-fight contract with the UFC, Bagautinov will look to make a huge statement by stopping Johnson’s reign.

With both men ready for the strain of a main event, the real winner Saturday will be the fans who pay to watch this marquee bout.

Predicted Finish: Johnson via Decision

 

*Stats via UFC.com.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC 173 Results: Fighters Who Faltered Under PPV Pressure

Several top stars thrived on Saturday’s UFC 173 card, but two of the mainstream names faltered under the pressure of the pay-per-view main card.
Not only did mixed martial arts legend Dan Henderson get utterly dismantled by Daniel Cormier at the …

Several top stars thrived on Saturday’s UFC 173 card, but two of the mainstream names faltered under the pressure of the pay-per-view main card.

Not only did mixed martial arts legend Dan Henderson get utterly dismantled by Daniel Cormier at the PPV, but former bantamweight champion Renan Barao was also destroyed by underdog T.J. Dillashaw.

While Cormier and Dillashaw looked incredible, Henderson and Barao were thoroughly outclassed. Here are the fighters who struggled the most Saturday night.

 

Renan Barao

In one of the most shocking moments in a long time, relative unknown T.J. Dillashaw dominated the main event and beat Renan Barao via TKO to walk out of the Octagon with the UFC Bantamweight Championship.

While losing the championship was a serious blow, Barao also lost his incredible winning streak that encompassed 32 victories dating back to May 2005. The loss would have been easier to swallow if he was winning at times in the fight, but Dillashaw dominated from bell to bell.

As Stuart Scott of ESPN shared on Twitter, no one saw this coming:

After the fight, Barao kept his comments short and sweet, telling Brett Okamoto of ESPN.com that “It was a really tough fight. I have to congratulate him. I’m coming back.”

It looks like Barao has revenge on his mind already.

Whether he gets an immediate rematch or has to beat another bantamweight to earn his way back into the title scene—a 32-fight winning streak should earn him an instant rematch—this could be the wakeup call the fighter needed.

Complacency is something that affects many fighters, and Barao has now been given another reason to work even harder. If he wants to regain his title, he will have to earn it against one of the toughest fighters in the sport.

 

Dan Henderson

Few fighters have made the impact on the sport that Dan Henderson has over his career, but at 43 years old (he’ll be 44 by his next bout), there is no doubt that the end of the road is near.

Daniel Cormier is one of the most promising talents in MMA, but Henderson used to be known as one of the best wrestlers in the sport. After being manhandled by Cormier on the ground, Henderson’s one biggest strength besides his toughness was nullified.

As WWE legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin shared on Twitter, Cormier was able to beat a bona fide legend on Saturday night:

When Henderson can’t outwrestle someone, the fighter must take a long look at his time in the Octagon and make the decision on whether or not he wants to risk absorbing more long-term damage by continuing to fight.

Besides the knockout victory over Mauricio Rua in March (Rua looked like a shell of himself), Henderson has now lost four of his last five fights. While he may still be a PPV draw for Dana White and the UFC, the company must do what’s best for the fighter and encourage retirement.

Cormier proved that he was worthy of fighting for the light heavyweight championship, but he also proved that Henderson’s long and storied MMA career should come to an end sooner rather than later.

 

*Stats via UFC.com.

 

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC 173: TJ Dillashaw and Fighters Who Stole the Show Saturday

Saturday night’s UFC 173 pay-per-view was a wild showcase of the unpredictability of mixed martial arts, and several fighters such as new bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw stole the show.
Not only did he TKO former champion Rena…

Saturday night’s UFC 173 pay-per-view was a wild showcase of the unpredictability of mixed martial arts, and several fighters such as new bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw stole the show.

Not only did he TKO former champion Renan Barao, but both Daniel Cormier and Robbie Lawler also managed to take home monumental victories on their respective paths to a championship.

Here are the fighters who shined brightest on Saturday night.

 

T.J. Dillashaw

Bantamweight fighter Dillashaw was not supposed to be in the position he was in Saturday night. With Raphael Assuncao originally scheduled to fight Renan Barao for the divisional title, Dillashaw was an afterthought until Assuncao turned the fight down with a rib injury.

Dillashaw did not waste his opportunity and hit Barao with a huge head kick that clearly hurt the former champion. There was blood in the water, and Dillashaw followed it up with a barrage of punches that forced the referee to stop the fight.

After winning the UFC Bantamweight Championship, Dillashaw told Brett Okamoto of ESPN.com about the respect he has for Barao after such an entertaining fight:

That’s who I am. I want to finish every fight. I’m at my best when I’m coming at you. Barao is the best in the world in my eyes. I’ve been looking up to him. I felt respect in the cage with him. He’s the best in the world, and that’s what brought it out in me. I had to bring my ‘A’ game to beat the best in the world.

Any Dillashaw doubters remaining were forced to eat crow.

The fight wasn’t even close. Dillashaw looked like the stronger fighter right out of the gate and was in control for almost the entire fight. While Barao landed a few shots, he never could find any consistency.

As great as the victory was, the most important fight of Dillashaw’s life will be his next one. A rematch against Barao would be a main event that MMA fans would have no problem getting behind now.

 

Daniel Cormier

As one of the most promising fighters in the UFC today, light heavyweight championship contender Daniel Cormier proved once again that he deserves a title shot after dismantling a legend like Dan Henderson.

For only the fourth time in his career, Henderson was forced to submit. The only other men to make him tap out were Anderson Silva and the Nogueira brothers, and the submission victory makes Cormier’s incredible dominance even more impressive.

Cormier took to Instagram to share a picture of him and Henderson after the fight:

While Cormier was nothing but respectful to Henderson and has showed great class throughout his career, he called out light heavyweight champion Jon Jones after the fight, according to UFC’s Twitter account:

Many fans and experts heaped praise on Cormier after his victory. One of the biggest votes of confidence came from WWE legend Steve Austin:

Not only was Cormier one of the most decorated amateur wrestlers in the world, but he has carried that dominance into MMA by winning his first 15 fights in the sport. With an impressive list of opponents, there is no doubt he deserves a shot at the light heavyweight title.

Where it’s Jones or Alexander Gustafsson, it will be hard for whomever is the champion at the time to successfully defend his title against Cormier when he finally gets his title shot.

 

Robbie Lawler

There is no questioning the skills of Robbie Lawler, but he struggled to find consistency in his career over the last several years. A loss to Johny Hendricks derailed much of the momentum he had built, but a huge TKO victory against Jake Ellenberger proved he still has what it takes.

Lawler was a late replacement for Tarec Saffiedine, but instead of taking the chance to mail in his effort, he attacked Ellenberger with heavy strikes and dominated the majority of the fight.

Add in the ability to finish the bout, and Lawler is on the right path to another shot at the title.

The UFC would have an instant attraction if reigning champion Hendricks were to take on Lawler in a rematch of their previous fight. Win or lose, Lawler proved Saturday that he deserves the opportunity.

 

*Stats via UFC.com.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com