If UFC 174 showed one thing, it’s that one man can’t make an event.
Demetrious Johnson put on a masterful performance. In the same way Fedor Emelianenko played his opponents’ game and beat them, “Mighty Mouse” attacked Ali Bagautinov in the one a…
If UFC 174 showed one thing, it’s that one man can’t make an event.
Demetrious Johnson put on a masterful performance. In the same way Fedor Emelianenko played his opponents’ game and beat them, “Mighty Mouse” attacked Ali Bagautinov in the one area where Bagautinov was assumed to be superior: the clinch. He brutally tenderized the Russian’s torso from bell to bell.
It left the UFC commentary team asking “What is next for Demetrious Johnson?” It left the Vancouver crowd wondering “Can I beat the traffic if I leave during the second round?”
Indeed, a mass exodus took place during Johnson versus Bagautinov, and there are many ways to interpret that. Are the flyweights still being rejected by fans? Were they dissatisfied with the lengthy stretch of yawn-inducing fights beforehand? Did this stem from comped tickets going to people that just didn’t actually care much?
Tough call. Also beyond my pay grade.
What I do know is that the biggest loser tonight was Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson. He just reasserted himself as one of the greatest fighters in the world, and the only people that could muster up applause were the crickets.
Demetrious Johnson is one of the best fighters in the world at any weight class. He is technically proficient in all areas, and that showed at UFC 174.
He is a complete fighter who made a very game Ali Bagautinov look uncomfortable.
The champion mixed …
Demetrious Johnson is one of the best fighters in the world at any weight class. He is technically proficient in all areas, and that showed at UFC 174.
He is a complete fighter who made a very game Ali Bagautinov look uncomfortable.
The champion mixed it up well and was able to win round after round en route to a unanimous decision. He frustrated Bagautinov as the fight progressed because there was next to nothing that was working for the Dagestani.
Mighty Mouse is the elite of the elite in the UFC today. He is a special talent.
This is what we learned from the main event of UFC 174.
What We’ll Remember About This Fight
There is no one thing we will remember. Johnson was unable to land the knockout strike or nab the submission finish. However, we will remember Johnson’s ridiculous array of skills.
In, out and around—he was everywhere. It is easy to lay a blanket statement and talk about his speed, but his technique is what makes it incredible to watch. It’s not just speed. His footwork and head movement are impeccable. He switches levels remarkably well.
Johnson is the cream of the crop.
What We Learned About Ali Bagautinov
We learned Bagautinov has what it takes to become a serious contender.
Sure, he will always be a significant underdog, but he showcased his skills well in this fight. And fighting Johnson will only improve him as a fighter moving forward. He will have learned a great deal from this bout.
Bagautinov was strong in the clinch and has good punching power. He was able to eat many of Johnson’s shots and keep coming. He has the tools to get into a gritty affair against Johnson, but he must be able to do that in a future contest.
The champion’s quickness and well-rounded abilities made it tough at UFC 174, but Bagautinov shouldn’t be counted all the way out in any future matchup.
What We Learned About Demetrious Johnson
Honestly, not much. That is only because Mighty Mouse has been simply phenomenal in his recent outings.
He showcased his grit coming up and taking the title against Ian McCall and Joseph Benavidez. He then showcased his resolve against John Dodson. He finally followed that up with submission and KO victories over John Moraga and Benavidez, respectively.
He’s shown a full range of skills and abilities. That is why he deserves to be mentioned in the pound-for-pound discussion.
What’s Next for Ali Bagautinov
He will not fall far down the rankings, if at all, but he is not close to a title rematch. Should the UFC line him up against another top-five fighter such as John Moraga? That’s highly questionable.
Bagautinov is at least two fights away, and as such, he should fight someone in the back half of the top 10 before getting into a potential title eliminator. Seeing Bagautinov face off against the winner of August’s matchup between Timothy Elliott and Wilson Reis would be a treat for UFC fans.
What’s Next for Demetrious Johnson
John Dodson.
That is the only name that makes sense, and the top-ranked contender is coming off a victory over No. 5-ranked John Moraga. He has done everything he needs to do to earn the rematch, and he is the only man to pose a real threat to Johnson’s reign.
On Saturday night at UFC 174, Demetrious Johnson faced off against Ali Bagautinov in a flyweight title fight. Johnson was looking for his fourth straight defense, while Bagautinov was looking for his fourth straight win in the UFC.
The fight went the f…
On Saturday night at UFC 174, Demetrious Johnson faced off against Ali Bagautinov in a flyweight title fight. Johnson was looking for his fourth straight defense, while Bagautinov was looking for his fourth straight win in the UFC.
The fight went the full 25 minutes and in an impressive performance, Johnson won every single round, and pulled out the unanimous decision victory.
Johnson was faster, better in the clinch and better on the feet. Read on to see exactly how he did it.
Handling the liveblog for the UFC 174 main card is our own returning champion, Barry “Bear” Siragusa, who will be sticking round-by-round results after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, follow us on twitter for additional commentary, and remember to send us your immediate Snapchat reactions for a chance to win some Topps UFC Knockout trading cards. Thanks for coming.
(“Dear God, please guide my hands in this fight, and protect me from this American baldness disease.” / Photo via MMAJunkie)
Handling the liveblog for the UFC 174 main card is our own returning champion, Barry “Bear” Siragusa, who will be sticking round-by-round results after the jump beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, follow us on twitter for additional commentary, and remember to send us your immediate Snapchat reactions for a chance to win some Topps UFC Knockout trading cards. Thanks for coming.
UFC 174 Preliminary Card Results
– Kiichi Kunimoto def. Daniel Sarafian via. Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:52 of round 1.
– Valerie Letourneau def. Elizabeth Phillips via. split decision (29-28 Letourneau x 2, 29-28 Phillips)
– Yves Jabouin def. Mike Easton via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
– Tae Hyun Bang def. Kajan Johnson via. KO (punch) at 2:01 of round 3
– Michinori Tanaka def. Roland Delorme via unanimous decision. (30-27 x 3)
– Jason Saggo def. Josh Shockley via. TKO (punches) at 4:57 of Round 1.
Please stand by…
Hey there Folks. Glad to be back in the saddle.
For those of you who are following UFC 174 and not watching the World Cup, I welcome you. For those of you who are here following UFC 174 WHILE watching the the World Cup, it’s time to turn it off and get your UFC on. Jamie Varner broke his ankle at UFC 173 and then the doctor stepped on it (!) and you didn’t see him screaming and rolling around… Just sayin’.
We have some big fights happening this evening. The Flyweight Belt is up for grabs. The winner of MacDonald vs. Woodley gets a title shot (Probably. Maybe. No, probably not), and “The PitBull” Andrei Arlovski is back in his cage. Stay tuned, this should be a good one.
First up:
Ryan Jimmo vs. Ovince St. Preux
Ryan Jimmo (19-3 MMA) Fought on Season 8 of TUF.
Ovince St. Preux (15-5 MMA) Former Strikeforce competitor.
Round 1:
St. Preux with the 7 inch reach advantage. They touch gloves. Leg kick by Jimmo. Body kick by St. Preux. Big left by St. Preux. Jimmo is moving forward. St. Preux connects with a left. They clinch against the fence. Jimmo looking for the take down from the clinch against the fence. St. Preux gets the reversal against the fence. They break. Jimmo is bleeding from his nose. Head kick attempt by St. Preux. Jimmo answers with a high body kick. Leg kick from St. Preux. Inside leg kick from Jimmo. Body kick by Jimmo. St. Preux is really reaching with the jab. Nice left hand by St. Preux. St. Preux goes for the takedown and gets it against the fence just in time for the bell
Round 2:
Opens with a big right from Jimmo. Jimmo’s corner thinks St. Preux is getting tired. Jimmo attempts a body kick, caught by St. Preux who gets the takedown and gets full mount. St. Preux transitions to Jimmo’s back, St. Preux attempting a rear naked choke. Jimmo defending. St. Preux only has one hook. Jimmo taking some hammer fists to the head. St. Preux goes for a kimura. WOW! Jimmo says his arm is broken and the ref calls it.
Ovince St. Preux def. Ryan Jimmo via. verbal submission (Kimura) at 2:10 of round 2.
Up next…
Andrei Arlovski vs. Brendan Schaub
Andrei Arlovski (21-10-1 MMA) Arlovski is making his return to the octagon after a six year absence. Arlovski is the former UFC Heavyweight Champ and former UFC interim Light Heavyweight Champ. At 35 years of age, Arlovski is hoping to make one more run at the UFC belt before retiring. He is the only man to knock out Roy Nelson.
Brendan Schaub (10-3 MMA) Made the finals of TUF season 10 where he lost to Roy Nelson. Schaub won his last fight against Matt Mitrione via d’arce choke. The only fighter in UFC history to finish with that choke.
Round 1:
Slight reach advantage for Schaub. Big John and Andrei in the cage together again…Heeeere we go. They touch gloves. They feel each other out. Andrei with the flurry and the clinch. Pins Schaub up against the fence and throws a few knees. Schaub spins out, throws a right and a left. Arlovski answers with an outside leg kick. They clinch and Arlovski pins Schaub against the fence and starts throwing knees. Big John tells them to get to work. Schaub pushes Arlovski off and they move to the middle of the octagon. Big overhand right from Schaub that just misses. Big swing and a miss from Arlovski. They clinch briefly. Schaub spins away. A big overhand from Schaub, Arlovski ducks underneath and clinches against the fence. Big spinning back kick from Arlovski to end the round.
Round 2:
They meet in the middle. Arlovski kicks Schaub in the groin. Schaub takes a minute but is back in business quickly. Arlovski clips Schaub with a left hook. Nothing huge, but opens Schaub up with a cut near his left eye. They clinch against the cage and Arlovski takes a break. They break and meet in the middle of the cage. They trade a few quick jabs. A headkick attempt by Schaub. Headkick attempt by Arlovski. Schaub fakes low and throws a overhand right that misses. Arlovski is watching for it. They clinch and now Schaub has Arlovski pinned against the cage. Schaub gets the take down but Arlovski get right back up. They break and meet in the middle. Schaub swinging for the fences but missing. Schaub connects with a left jab. Andrei shrugs it off. BIG uppercut from Schaub that rings Arlovski’s bell. A big swing and a miss from Schaub, answered by a big overhand from Arlovski to end the round.
Round 3:
Schaub opens the round with a swing and a miss overhand right. Another big overhand right from Schaub. Arlovski catches Schaub with a jab as he comes in. Big John warns them about headbutting. They clinch and Schaub gets the take down. Schaub works in Arlovski’s guard with punches and endows to the body. Arlovski answers with some elbows from the bottom. Hammer fists from Schaub. Schaub is making no attempt to transition to half guard. Arlovski keeps Schaub busy defending punches from the bottom. Schaub with some nasty hammerfists. Arlovski bucks Schaub off and regains his feet. They clinch and Arlovski pushes Schaub against the fence. Schaub escapes and they meet in the middle. They trade shots and there is the buzzer. Schaubs mouth and face has suddenly swelled up.
Arlovski says in his interview with Rogan that he was nervous and asks the crowd not to boo him.
Ryan Bader (16-4 MMA) Currently the #10 Light Heavyweight. Winner of Season 8 of TUF (Team Nog). His first loss was to fellow (at the time) up and comer Jon Jones. 3 of his four losses have been to former or future Light Heavyweight Champs (Jon Jones, Lyoto Machida and Tito Ortiz). His fourth loss was to Glover Teixeira.
Rafael Cavalcante (12-4-1) Former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champ. Studied veterinary medicine before being recruited by Big Nog. Lost his Strikeforce Belt to Dan Henderson. This will be his third fight in the UFC.
Round 1:
No reach advantage for either fighter. They touch gloves. Cavalcante with an inside leg kick to start things off. Bader with a head kick attempt. A quick jab by Bader, followed by a running takedown of Cavalcante. Bader has his back standing, lifts Cavalcante up and gets the takedown but Cavalcante is up quickly with Bader still glued to his back punishing his thighs with knees. Really brutal knees to Cavalcante’s legs. Bader is destroying that leg. Cavalcante is up. They break and meet in the middle. HUGE haymaker attempt by Cavalcante which misses. Bader responds with a looping right hand. Cavalcante connects with a small right. They both catch each other with a jab. Bader gets a big takedown. They grappls at the fence as Bader slowly gets Cavalcante’s back. Cavalcante is absorbing a lot of punishment from the Bader. Some nasty body shots from Bader. HUGE knee too the body of Cavalcante at the buzzer.
Round 2:
Spinning back kick from cavalcante to start things off. Answered by a head kick attempt from Bader. They clinch and Bader pushes Cavalcante up against the fence. They break and Cavalcante moves forward while Bader waits for his opportunity, and there he gets the takedown. Nasty Elbow in Cavalcante’s face and Bader gets his back. Bader starts landing some nasty knee’s to Cavalcante’s butt and thighs. Cavalcante gains his feet, attempts another haymaker. There is a lot of movement from Bader. Another Haymaker attempt by Cavalcante. Bader darts in and peppers Cavalcante with punches. Cavalcante connects with a right. Connects with another right. Bader shakes it off and answers with a body shot and a takedown. Bader is on top and starts abusing the side of Cavalcante’s body. There goes the buzzer.
Round 3:
A big right from Cavalcante and a left that rung Bader’s bell. He connects with several looping hooks that hurt Bader, and gets the takedown. Cavalcante is on top, Bader goes for a leg and tries to reverse. Cavalcante hits Bader with some big elbows to the head. They break and Bader slips, Cavalcante follows him but can’t finish. They clinch against the fence. Nothing happens. The ref. breaks them apart and restarts them. Bader gets a takedown. He is on top abusing Cavalcante’s ribs with punches and dropping some big elbows on the ribcage. Cavalcante is not responding. Bader is inside Cavalcante’s guard, raining down elbows and punches to the body. Cavalcante has no answer for Bader. Cavalcante throws a few elbows, but Bader is connecting with everything. That’s it. It’s over.
Dominant performance by Ryan Bader. “If he loses this decision, They should burn this place down”- Joe Rogan
Ryan Bader def. Rafael Cavalcante via. unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
Next up…
Tyrone Woodley vs. Rory MacDonald
Rory MacDonald (16-2 MMA) The Canadian born fighter is the former King of the Cage Lightweight Champ. MacDonald trains together with Georges St-Pierre at Tristar Gym. His only two losses were to Carlos Condit and Robbie Lawler. MacDonald is currently the #2 ranked Welterweight.
Tyron Woodley (13-2 MMA) Former Strikeforce fighter. Woodley’s only two losses came from Nate Marquart and Jake Shields. Of his thirteen wins, four have come via knockout, five via submission and four via decision. Woodley is often criticized for being too muscular, which some critics (looking at you Dana White) saying that he will gas out if brought into championship rounds.
Round 1:
Slight reach advantage for Rory.
Rory with a front kick early. A quick jab, Woodley with and overhand right. They clinch. Woodley with some knee’s to the body. Woodley pushes Rory up against the fence and starts punishing his legs with knees and foot stomps. Some big knee’s from Woodley. I don’t know how many of those Rory can take. Rory gets out and Rory connects with a question mark kick. Woodley responods with a attempted headkick. They trade head kick attempts. A big kick to the body of Woodley. Rory connecting with some big kicks. Woodley goes for the take down and absorbs a knee on the way in. They are clinched at the fence. Woodley connects with some punches to the face from the clinch. They seperate and Rory connects with a kick to the body. Woodley gets a takedown. Rory gets up and connects with a kick to the body and a short jab. Backs Woodley up against the fence and connects with some jabs and front kicks. Woodley seems unfazed. They square off and the buzzer sounds.
Round 2:
Rory with a few jabs. Woodley responds with an overhead right. Superman punch and an Ax kick from Rory. Rory goes for the takedown but is unsuccessful. Woodley connects with a solid leg kick. Rory has Woodley backed up against the fence. Peppering him with kicks. Woodley connects with a HARD leg kick. Rory connects with a body shot. Woodley attempts two right hand’s. Misses with bith. Rory with a quick flurry. Rory with a body kick. Woodley answers with some big punches. All misses. Rory pushes Woodley against the fence. Just constant pressure from Rory. Woodley connects with a brutal leg kick. Rory is just absorbing them. Rory connects with an body/head combo. Headkick from Rory. Woodley connects with a small jab. Rory with a right hand. Left jab and right overhand from Rory. Woodley is looking really uncomfortable. Rory catches two jabs in the face right before the buzzer.
Round 3:
Woodley tee’s off and flurries. Rory backs up and almost trips. Rory takes control of the center of the ring. Rory connects with a left jab. Woodley looks to be slowing down. Rory connects with a body kick. Woodley answers with a kick, but Rory brushes it aside and hits Woodley with a spinning back kick. Woodley acts like it hit his groin but Big John waves him off. Rory goes for and gets the takedown. Woodley has stuffed 32 of the last 34 takedown attempts. Woodley has control of Rory’s wrists. Woodley still hanging on. Big John will stand them up if nothing happens soon. Rory stands up and Woodley attacks with the up-kick from his back. Rory is looking for the opening, and connects with an elbow. Rory gets full mount but Woodley shrugs him off to side mount. Woodley starts absorbing big shots to his head. Rory is just teeing off from side guard, pounding Woodley’s face. There is the buzzer. Huge statement by Rory MacDonald. I never thought I would see Tyron Woodley absolutely dominated like that. Wow.
Demetrious Johnson (19-2-1 MMA) The current (and until now only) Flyweight Champ. This will be his fourth title defense. Johnson moved down to Flyweight and won the four man Flyweight tournament after losing a unanimous decision to Dominick Cruz in a fight for the Bantamweight Belt. His only other loss was a UD loss to Brad Pickett
Ali Bagautinov (13-2 MMA) is a Dagestani born Russian fighter and former Fight Nights Flyweight Champ. He is currently ranked as the #4 Flyweight. He has a background in Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, as well as Russian Sambo. Bagautinov is a 2x Combat Sambo World Champion. He is currently on an 11 fight win streak.
Round 1:
They touch gloves. Johnson with an inside leg kick to get us started. Ali with very low hands and very flat feet. A few quick kicks from Johnson and Ali. Outside leg kick from Johnson, answered by Ali with a left right combo and a big kick to the body. A few big left right combos that miss from Ali. Outside leg kick from Johnson. Inside leg kick from Johnson. A lot of feinting happening here. Ali reaches and clips Johnson. They clinch, some knees from Ali, he has Johnson pushed up against the cage. Johnson has Ali’s neck in a Muay Thai clinch and throws a knee. Ali catches the knee and holds it. Ali lets it go and catches another leg and holds it. Ali trying for the takedown. Some big knees and punches from Ali, answered by a knee from Johnson. Johnson lands some hard knees to the body. Ali gets a takedown but Johnson bounces right back up for the buzzer.
Round 2:
Johnson switches to orthodox. Johnson connects with an inside leg kick followed quickly by an outside leg kick. Johnson goes for the takedown and they clinch. Johnson connects with some knees. Ali reverses and throws some punches which miss. Ali checks a leg kick from Johnson. Johnson backs him up and connect with an outside leg kick and a high head kick. Ali responds with some big punches thrown at nothing but the air where Johnson was a second ago. Johnson connects with another leg kick combo. Another inside leg kick from Johnson. Johnson connects with a big punch. Ali connects with a head kick, but Johnson shrugs it off. They clinch and Ali pushes Johnson against the fence and starts connecting with knees to the body. Johnson answers with some knees of his own. Some big knees from Ali, but Johnson is dodging most of them. Ali with a takedown attempt. Johnson stuffs the attempt and punishes Ali with elbows to the head. They are still clinched and exchanging knees. They grapple and whip eachother around. There’s the buzzer.
Round 3:
Johnson with leg kicks to open the round. A swing and a miss for Ali answered by another leg kick. Leg kick. Straight kick from Johnson. They clinch and Ali pushes Johnson against the fence. They start trading knees. Big knee to Ali’s ribs. Ali connects with a knee to the midsection. Johnson gets double underhooks but lets it go. Big body kick from Johnson. Ali kicks back. Ali tries for a head kick. Johnson darts in with some punches and some high/low head movement. Ali looks confused. Johnson looks fresh, Ali is breathing hard. Tries for a head kick. Ali gets Johnsons back and suplex! Johnson is right back up on his feet. Amazing… They clinch but quickly break apart. Leg kick from Johnson. Ali goes for a takedown and gets a knee. Takedown attempt quickly reversed by Johnson. Some knees and elbows from Johnson to end the round.
Round 4: Championship rounds.
Starts again with leg kicks from the champ. He is landing more and more of those kicks. Outside leg kick from Johnson. Johnson goes for a takedown but Ali stuffs the attempt. Inside leg kick from Johnson. Ali’s hands are really low. Johnson connects with a right hand jab followed by a left hand jab. Huge right hand from Ali but it find nothing but air. NASTY leg kicks from Johnson. A nice body kick from Ali. A lot of movement but nithing happening. Johnson slips and Ali moves in but Johnson is up and out of range quickly. They clinch and Ali pushes Johnson against the cage Some big knees to the midsection of Johnson. Johnson defends well. A over and around knee to Ali’s head. Johnson gets the reversal but Ali reverses again. Johnson gets Ali’s back and starts working for a RNC but the buzzer sounds. Ali is saved by the bell
Round 5: Final Round.
Ali motions to the crowd. Johnson and Ali embrace in the middle. Ali throws a big haymaker but misses. Johnson with a jab, finding his range. Connects with a short right jab. Johnson with the clinch and some hard knee’s to the head and midsection of Ali. Ali has Johnson’s leg, but loses it. They clinch against the cage and Ali starts throwing knees. Johnson pushes him back and answers with his own knees. Johnson reverses and starts throwing punches. Ali reverses again. Johnson yells out in pain as Ali pushes hard down on him. Johnson throws knees but is now only throwing with his left leg. Johnson tags Ali with a kick and attempts a spinning back kick to the head. Ali ducks under and goes for the takedown. Johnson tuffs the attempt. Johnson attacks with a head kick. They grapple at the cage, they clinch and Ali goes to work on Johnson’s midsection. Johnson answers with some knees. Ali’s sides and ribs are bruised and red. He has absorbed a lot of punishment. There is the buzzer it’s over.
Demetrious Johnson def. Ali Bagautinov via. unanimous decision (50-45)
That does it for me folks. It has been a a pleasure.
Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson is one of the most dominant champions in the UFC. He has ruled the flyweight division since its inception in 2012.More impressively, he has gotten better with each bout. Most recently, he knocked out Joseph Benavidez i…
Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson is one of the most dominant champions in the UFC. He has ruled the flyweight division since its inception in 2012.
More impressively, he has gotten better with each bout. Most recently, he knocked out Joseph Benavidez in the first round of their rematch back in December 2013.
On Saturday at UFC 174 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Johnson will defend his title against Russian contender Ali Bagautinov.
The challenger brings a ton of power into the Octagon—as evidenced by his five wins via KO—and the weight of a nation’s expectations on his shoulders.
When asked about what it was like to carry the Russian fighting banner in the UFC by E. Spencer Kyte of The Province, Bagautinov said:
“First and foremost, it’s a lot of responsibility. It’s a huge responsibility and I feel it — I want to do my best not to let down my supporters, my fans and I want them to enjoy when they watch us.”
Even though Bagautinov has put together a nice run in the UFC (3-0), one look at the odds, per OddsShark, and there’s no doubt who the favorite is.
Facing such a skilled and dominant champion only makes the task of carrying the Russian flag all the more difficult for Bagautinov.
I know what it says in the headline of this article, but don’t read this as an endorsement for the challenger in Saturday’s main event.
Let’s make it plain—Johnson can and should successfully defend his title, but that doesn’t mean Bagautinov doesn’t have a plan of attack that will give him the best chance for success.
Here’s what the challenger must do to dethrone Mighty Mouse.
Pick His Spots
Johnson is perhaps the fastest man in the UFC. Bagautinov doesn’t have a prayer of keeping pace with him step for step. He has to try and time the champion and attempt to disturb his rhythm.
This is obviously easier said than done—especially while attempting to defend against strikes—but it’s imperative to Bagautinov‘s cause.
If he does find an opening during an exchange, he has to make his punches count. He doesn’t figure to have a ton of opportunities.
Make it Ugly
If Bagautinov allows this fight to be fought pretty, he’ll lose. Johnson’s movements and agility are beautiful to watch. He’s truly graceful in combat, but Bagautinov has to find a way to muck up the action.
Leg kicks, clinches, knees on the inside and double-leg takedowns are all potential strategies he could employ to control the identity of the fight.
The smoother the action, the bigger the lead Johnson will have on the scorecards.
Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson looks to defend his title for the fourth consecutive time on Saturday night in Vancouver, Canada’s UFC 174 main event, but this one won’t come easy against Ali Bagautinov.
The Russian fighter has only three UFC showing…
Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson looks to defend his title for the fourth consecutive time on Saturday night in Vancouver, Canada’s UFC 174 main event, but this one won’t come easy against Ali Bagautinov.
The Russian fighter has only three UFC showings to his name but won all of them convincingly. The 29-year-old hasn’t lost a fight since 2011 and has been turning heads ever since his UFC debut in 2013.
Meanwhile, the 27-year-old Johnson has been dominating his opponents as of late. He knocked out Joseph Benavidez in December 2013 just two minutes into the first round.
Let’s break down the upcoming flyweight championship bout between Johnson and Bagautinov.
When: Saturday, June 14
Where: Rogers Arena; Vancouver, Canada
Start Time: 8 p.m. ET (preliminaries), 10 p.m. ET (main card)
It’s not all smiles for both fighters heading into Saturday’s title fight, as UFC captures:
Sure, Johnson enters the weekend as a massive favorite over Bagautinov, as told by a line as high as minus-600, per OddsShark.com. The champion is getting better and better each time he enters the Octagon, and that’s unlikely to change Saturday night.
But with few challenges left in the flyweight division, Johnson’s next task could be the toughest one he faces before he explores another division or rematches an opponent he’s already beaten.
Bagautinov is somewhat of a mystery man, as he’s only fought in three bouts in the UFC and two in North America. But every appearance has been captivating. From a technical knockout of Marcos Vinicius to a recent unanimous-decision win over John Lineker, he has put his talents on display plenty of times.
But when in doubt, Johnson has no problem relying on his elite speed and ability to outhustle opponents, per Fightline.com’s Dana Becker, via UFC Tonight: “He looks like a very durable guy. If I need to beat him up for 25 minutes, I will. The speed advantage, that’s what I’m known for.”
Bagautinov makes his opponents pay by sitting back and attacking on the counter, but that likely won’t be an option against Johnson, who is undoubtedly the fastest fighter in the flyweight division. That will force the Russian out of his comfort zone, and Johnson will be keen on taking advantage.
Plus, the champ has a big advantage in title-fight experience. Bagautinov has only seen four of his fights go to three rounds and has never competed in a five-round affair. Meanwhile, Johnson has seen four fights go the full five rounds.
For Bagautinov to pull off the shocker and come away with the title belt, it will take something we haven’t seen from the Russian. It will also take something we haven’t seen happen against Johnson in years—an opponent truly proving to be a serious test.
