Photo by Esther Lin for MMAFighting.com
Demetrious Johnson successfully defended his UFC flyweight title, getting a submission-win over John Moraga in the main event at UFC on Fox 8 in Seattle.
The Saturday night UFC card ended when Johnson locked on an armbar at 3:43 of the final round.
“I’m here to fight,” Johnson said in his post-fight interview. “If the finish comes to me, I’m going to take it.
“I’m just trying to keep on getting better.”
Johnson used his trademark speed to avoid strikes from Moraga in the early stages of the featured fight, landing a few of his own in response. Moraga chased him down, but Johnson eventually got the takedown and worked from top position. Johnson locked on a front choke then transitioned to a guillotine attempt, but time ran out and the first round ended.
Johnson completed a double-leg takedown to open up the second round, passing the guard moments later. “Mighty Mouse” maintained side control and landed a combination of strikes from the top. The fight returned to the feet after some scrambling, but Johnson scored another takedown and landed several more strikes on the ground, including punches and elbows, through the end of the round.
Moraga continued to have difficulty dealing with his opponent’s tenacity in the third round. Johnson brought the fight to the ground again, but Moraga found an escape soon after and brought it to a stand-up battle. He attempted a takedown of his own, but Johnson countered, secured a trip and ended up on top again. After a near finish with a kimura by Johnson, Moraga got his first takedown of the fight before the end of the round.
The fourth round had more of the same as the previous rounds, as Johnson scored yet another takedown. The 125-pound champ continued to control the fight, but Moraga landed a right hand that sent Johnson reeling. The punch was one of the only bright spots the challenger had in the fight.
Johnson recovered from the punch in the fifth round, securing his 10th takedown of the fight in the final frame. While on the ground, Johnson worked for a kimura again, but transitioned for the armbar, finishing the fight with the submission.
The stoppage, according to color commentator Joe Rogan, is the latest finish in UFC history with 1:17 left in the fight.
With the win, Johnson improves his record to 18-2-1, unbeaten in the UFC since dropping to 125 pounds.
MacDonald decisions Ellenberger in less-than-exciting co-main event
Rory MacDonald scored a unanimous-decision win over Jake Ellenberger at UFC on Fox 8. Photo via MMAWeekly.com.
Rory MacDonald used a tactical approach, earning a unanimous decision over Jake Ellenberger in their UFC on Fox 8 main event on Saturday.
MacDonald went to his jab to score on the feet for the majority of three rounds, convincing the judges of seeing the bout in his favor with scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 30-27.
The match opened up with both fighters being very calculated. MacDonald used his jab to keep his opponent at bay, while Ellenberger attacked with a few flurries when countering. MacDonald broke away every time his opponent attempted to clinch and continued to use the jab to win the opening round.
MacDonald continued to use the jab in the second round. Ellenberger attempted a takedown halfway through the frame, but MacDonald stuffed it and successfully landed an uppercut. Working from the outside, Ellenberger didn’t close any distance between himself and MacDonald to land any significant strikes. The second round ended with a chorus of boos from the Seattle crowd.
As the third round began, MacDonald kept Ellenberger at a distance until the final minute of the fight. With the first takedown of the bout, Ellenberger gained top position and attempted landing strikes from guard. It ended up being too late, however, and time expired.
The win improves MacDonald’s record to 15-1, and is now in serious consideration for a UFC title shot against his teammate, 170-pound champ Georges St-Pierre. MacDonald, though, has avoided committing to a fight with GSP due to their close relationship.
Lawler dominates Voelker, finishes with head kick
Robbie Lawler knocked out Bobby Voelker in their UFC on Fox 8 main card bout, landing a head kick at 0:24 of the second round.
Lawler controlled the contest from beginning to end, giving Voelker little opportunity to mount any offense throughout.
The two welterweights exchanged strikes early, but Lawler scored a takedown to gain the first advantage. After returning to the feet, Lawler pressed Voelker against the cage and landed strikes, cutting Voelker open across the bridge of the nose. Lawler continued to pick away at his opponent with a mixture of punches, kicks and knees through the end of the opening round.
The second round came and went within seconds, as Lawler landed a head kick that sent Voelker dropping to the mat. After Lawler landed one more punch for good measure, the referee stepped in to put a stop to the contest.
The win marks Lawler’s second in a row since returning to the UFC, with the previous victory being a stoppage of former welterweight title challenger Josh Koscheck.
Carmouche finishes off Andrade in main card opener
Liz Carmouche finished Jessica Andrade in the second round of the first main card fight at UFC on Fox 8, finishing her opponent at the 3:57 mark.
Carmouche took early control of the match, clinching with Andrade against the cage then taking her down to the mat. Andrade found an opportunity for a submission, but chose to finish out the round by holding a guillotine attempt for the better part of the last half of the round.
Carmouche got the fight to the ground again in the second round where she smothered her opponent with punches and elbows from mount, eventually getting the TKO stoppage.
Read the undercard results below:
- Jorge Masvidal def. Michael Chiesa by submission (D’Arce choke) at 4:59, Round 2
- Danny Castillo def. Tim Means by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Melvin Guillard def. Mac Danzig by KO (hammer fists) at 2:47, Round 2
- Daron Cruickshank def Yves Edwards by split decision (30-27, 27-30, 30-27)
- Ed Herman def. Trevor Smith by split decision (27-30, 30-27, 29-28)
- Germain de Randamie def. Julie Kedzie by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
- Justin Salas def. Aaron Riley by spli decision (29-28 , 28-29, 29-28)
- Yaotzin Meza def. John Albert via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:49, Round 2