Timothy Johnson (10-2) did what he had to do over the course of 15 minutes to earn the victory at UFC Fight Night 86 earlier this afternoon (Sun., April 10, 2016). Johnson, 31, used some timely striking and Octagon control to earn a unanimous decision over Marcin Tybura (13-2) at Zagreb Arena in Zagreb, Croatia.
All three judges scored the bout 29-28.
The opening frame began with both Tybura and Johnson trading blows in a few exchanges before clinching up. Johnson pushed Tybura up against the fence and landed a few knees to the legs of the Polish newcomer, but couldn’t land anything of significance. Referee Grant Waterman halted the action and restarted the action in the center of the Octagon.
In the second, Johnson landed a nice right hook early on, but could not capitalize. The Fargo, North Dakota native pushed Tybura up against the fence once again, but Tybura was able to reverse position. They returned to the center of the Octagon where Johnson proved to be more effective in the striking department. He landed a solid flurry of punches as the round came to a close.
Tybura landed a timely takedown to start the final round and immediately took Johnson’s back. Johnson escaped and returned to his feet. Johnson avoided a second takedown attempt and pushed Tybura up against the fence once more. Tybura landed a few short punches before Waterman restarted the two heavyweights in the center of the Octagon. Tybura landed a big punch that hurt Johnson, but he recovered and went back to his preferred position holding his opponent against the fence. Johnson’s left eye was almost swollen shut as the fight concluded.
Nothing flashy, but a solid win for Johnson in his third UFC appearance. He is now 2-1 with the promotion. Tybura falls in his UFC debut and loses for only the second time in his 15-fight career.
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