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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.

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Demetrious Johnson vs. Ali Bagautinov: What We Learned from UFC 174 Main Event

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.

This is the fight to make.

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Rory MacDonald vs. Tyron Woodley: What We Learned from UFC 174 Welterweight Tilt

When Rory MacDonald vs. Tyron Woodley was scheduled for UFC 174 people were excited for it’s potential to produce instant fireworks.
Well, the bout did not disappoint on Saturday night in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
In a classic matchup …

When Rory MacDonald vs. Tyron Woodley was scheduled for UFC 174 people were excited for it’s potential to produce instant fireworks.

Well, the bout did not disappoint on Saturday night in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

In a classic matchup of finesse striker vs. power puncher, MacDonald was the one who came out looking like the next top title contender in the welterweight division.

Fueled by precision, patience and a tumultuous pace, the 24-year-old Canadian made the former Strikeforce standout look like a divisional question mark.

Winning by unanimous decision, in one of the most impressive performances we’ve seen him mold, MacDonald smothered one of the hottest fighters in the game.

Here’s what we can take away from the fight and the evidence we compiled.

Technicality reigns supreme

Matched up against one of the hardest-hitting punchers in the promotion today, MacDonald showcased elite-level striking skills powered by Octagon control and overall versatility.

He pressured Woodley from the get-to, putting together technically clad offensive output similar to that of his winning efforts opposite BJ Penn and Jake Ellenberger.

It helped that Woodley seemed to fade early into the second round, due in part to his muscular build that UFC commentator Joe Rogan tagged as an “unavoidable athletic reality.”

In any case, MacDonald demonstrated just how slick he can be inside the cage when he’s able to take his opponents out of their own domain.

As it was perfectly exemplified, technicality reigns supreme over raw explosiveness nine times out of 10.

Woodley is not quite there yet

It’s sometimes difficult to think that Woodley has only had 16 professional fights.

As a former collegiate wrestling standout turned mixed martial artist, his complete pallet of skills has been an overall work in progress.

At UFC 174, this was clearer than ever before. Despite his overwhelming power, Woodley is not quite there yet.

Pressured by a younger and more dynamic striker, the 32-year-old seemed uncomfortable when he wasn’t the one implementing aggression.

It’s a position that truly threw Woodley off, but one that will only fuel his progression as a fighter and understanding of how to escape and evade certain Octagon realities.

But if there was one positive to take from his performance, it would be the fact that he looked excellent off his back, holding MacDonald’s wrists in place like he was escorting a teenage girl to detention.

For more UFC 174 news and coverage, Follow @DHiergesell.

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Ryan Bader vs. Rafael Cavalcante: What We Learned from Light Heavyweight Tilt

On Saturday night at UFC 174, No. 9-ranked Ryan Bader faced off against No. 11-ranked Rafael Cavalcante, the former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion, to see who would continue to climb up the light heavyweight ladder. It was a completely con…

What We’ll Remember About This Fight

In the first round, Bader had a huge driving takedown. Then toward the end of the round, he landed a powerful knee to Cavalcante‘s body. Aside from that, there was nothing too memorable. Bader controlled the fight in the clinch and on the ground, except for about a minute in the third round when “Feijao” looked like he may have rocked Bader.

What We Learned About Bader

He is continuing to improve, as his clinch game, takedowns and ground-and-pound all looked better than before. Feijao was a tough opponent and may very well be the best name on Bader‘s resume now. It did look like Feijao hurt Bader early in the third round, so he still has to work on protecting his chin.

What We Learned About Cavalcante

There were questions about Cavalcante‘s cardio coming into this fight, and everybody who questioned it was right to do so. Feijao looked gassed after the first round—granted, he did take some hard body shots—and he was never able to muster any kind of solid, consistent offense. He could have had a shot in the third round if he’d had something left in the tank.

What’s Next for Bader?

Occasionally, Joe Silva likes to match up fighters coming off wins from the same cards, so Ovince Saint Preux is a possibility. Saint Preux was ranked No. 12 before his win over Ryan Jimmo and will probably jump into the Top 10 on Monday.

If not Saint Preux, then Bader could meet Anthony Johnson, if he comes out victorious against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in July.

Or maybe he could face Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. Bader has a lot of options moving forward.

What’s Next for Cavalcante?

Cavalcante could face Jimmo next, but if Jimmo suffered a broken arm as he said on the broadcast, then he’ll probably be out for a while.

If Johnson loses to Nogueira, Cavalcante could face “Rumble” next.

Phil Davis, who recently lost to Johnson, is a third option.

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Andrei Arlovski vs. Brendan Schaub: What We Learned from UFC 174 Tilt

Brendan Schaub and Andrei Arlovski met at UFC 164 in a pivotal bout for their careers. Each man sought a victory to make a run up the heavyweight rankings, and a loss would have been detrimental to their hopes.
The fight did not get off to a great star…

The fight did not get off to a great start. The two heavy-handed strikers were hesitant on the feet. A good portion of the action was spent stalling in the clinch. Schaub was telegraphing his one combination, and Arlovski was not offering any more than one punch in return.

Schaub got a takedown in the third round and spent a lot of time throwing errant shots at Arlovski. It took awhile, but Arlovski was finally able to get back to his feet. Unfortunately, he was unable to do anything once there.

All three rounds were close, but they were only close because both men failed to do anything to warrant a clear-cut win.

Arlovski picked up a split-decision victory.

What We’ll Remember About This Fight

Nothing. It was terrible.

What We Learned About Schaub

Schaub wanted the knockout, but he wanted it with the same telegraphed combination. Other than that, he played it safe. Too safe. Following the fight, his jaw was very swollen.

If there is a plus, he didn’t get knocked out.

What We Learned About Arlovski

Perhaps it was nerves, but perhaps it was not. We learned Arlovski needs to rediscover his aggressiveness. He was very passive in this fight. When he had a good position in the clinch, he chose to rest instead of improve.

If there is a plus, he didn’t get knocked out.

What’s Next for Schaub

The decision could have gone either way, so a loss shouldn’t hurt him too badly. The UFC could put him against the winner of the Soa Palelei vs. Jared Rosholt contest later this month.

What’s Next for Arlovski

Well, as unimpressive as it was, he won. Looking down the pipe, he has limited options. He didn’t show anything in the cage that was worthy of a Top 10-level fight, and many heavyweights are booked or injured.

UFC 175 features the return of No. 12-ranked contender Stefan Struve against Matt Mitrione. Arlovski could fight the winner of that battle. It’s about the only fight that makes any sense, unless an injury occurs to an already scheduled fight.

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Ryan Jimmo vs. Ovince Saint Preux: What We Learned from Light Heavyweight Tilt

Serving as UFC 174’s main card spark, Ryan Jimmo vs. Ovince Saint Preux offered some insight into the 205-pound heap.
As two of the more promising fighters outside of the light heavyweight division’s Top 10, Jimmo and Saint Preux came into Saturday’s p…

Serving as UFC 174‘s main card spark, Ryan Jimmo vs. Ovince Saint Preux offered some insight into the 205-pound heap.

As two of the more promising fighters outside of the light heavyweight division’s Top 10, Jimmo and Saint Preux came into Saturday’s pay-per-view showdown in search of a significant win.

Following the advice of his corner entering Round 2, it was Saint Preux who prevailed in front of an anxious Canadian crowd, forcing Jimmo to verbally tap mid-kimura after previously breaking his arm.

The victory was not decisive since we don’t yet know how and when Jimmo broke his arm, but it was an impressive performance for OSP nonetheless.

Here are the underlining facts to take away from the fight and what we learned from Jimmo vs. Saint Preux as a whole.

Saint Preux knows how to finish

By finishing Jimmo in the second round at UFC 174, OSP extended his perfect Octagon win streak to four.

More impressively, the hulking light heavyweight secured his third promotional finish, which suggests that he’s one of those fighters who can get it done wherever a bout may go.

His striking is not quite at the level you would want it to be, but he is improving immensely every time we see him inside the Octagon.

As one of the best natural athletes in the division, his physical capabilities and raw strength help create opportunities to finish that would otherwise be nonexistent.

Jimmo is not as good as we thought

When Jimmo initially made his promotional debut back at UFC 149, knocking out Anthony Perosh in just seven seconds, everybody thought he’d be the next top contender to test the divisional ranks.

But outside of his always fascinating karate style, the 32-year-old Canadian hasn’t done much to impress over his last five fights, producing a rather stagnant 2-3 record.

His struggles have emanated from not only an inability to fight off his back but a tendency to sit back and let his opponents get comfortable.

Saint Preux wasn’t picking him apart on his feet at UFC 174, but Jimmo did little to push the pace and make the former college football standout feel the pressure.

Next time we see him, it may be do-or-die for the post-fight robotic dancer.

For more UFC 174 news and coverage, Follow @DHiergesell

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