Dominick Cruz (@thedomin8r) vs. Demetrious Johnson (@mightymouseUFC)
In the most anticipated bout of the evening, UFC Bantamweight champion, Cruz will look to defend his title against the UFC’s smallest fighter, Johnson.
Both Cruz and Johnson have won 9 of their last ten fights and each fighter has lost just one time in their professional careers.
Prior to the fight Joe Rogan stated this fight had potential to be the fastest paced bout in UFC history.
As action began, Cruz and “Mighty Mouse” Johnson proved Rogan’s words to be true as they showed off their quickness and speed early.
Johnson was the aggressor early making Cruz back peddle away, something he’s not familiar with.
“Mighty Mouse” went in for an early take down only to be stuffed by Cruz.
When both fighters returned to their feet Cruz through Johnson to the ground and gained side control.
In a terrible position, Johnson managed to work his way into butterfly control and eventually back to his feet.
Johnson once again pressured Cruz. While Johnson was the aggressor, Cruz proved his strength in stuffing nearly every take down attempt.
As the second round began, Johnson attacked Cruz with kicks only to be taken down for a third time in just two rounds.
Johnson escaped getting back to his feet and the two were once again circling the center of the Octagon.
Johnson’s take down attempts were once again unsuccessful as Cruz proves to the Washington, D.C. crowd why he is the best fighter in the 135 weight class.
As round two came near a close, Johnson escaped side control and action was back to the stand up.
Despite a minor upper cut and attempted flying knee, Cruz controlled round two with his take downs.
The third round began as the fast paced fight continue.
Both fighters circled the center of the Octagon but neither engaged in on the other attempting to feel one another out.
Cruz finally engages in on Johnson and suplex slammed him over his back gaining back control.
Johnson appeared to be at the end of his road when Cruz connected on a tight Rear Naked Choke.
But, the Mighty Mouse escaped giving life to the D.C. crowd.
Johnson began swinging for the fences as he couldn’t defend against the champion’s exceptional take downs.
The championship rounds began as the fighters appeared to have slowed down a bit but still higher temped than your average fighters.
The first two minutes of round four remained in the stand up until Cruz once again took Johnson down. Johnson escaped only to be taken down again.
The theme of the night continued as Cruz took Mighty Mouse down only for him to escape and get back to their feet.
The fifth and final round began as Johnson was desperate for the one-punch knockout.
Cruz took control when putting Johnson up against the cage. Seconds later, Cruz connected on his second suplex slam taking side control as time ticked away in the championship bout.
Johnson returned to his feet with just two minutes remaining. Cruz proved to be the better fighter when he took Johnson down for the final time of the bout.
The bell sounded when Cruz remained the UFC Bantamweight champion of the world.
Result: Dominick Cruz defeats Demetrious Johnson via R5 Unanimous Decision