UFC 191 Preview: Demetrious Johnson Versus John Dodson

One of MMA’s most anticipated rematches is finally happening on September 5 as UFC Flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson defends his belt for the seventh time against the #3 ranked contender John Dodson in the main event of UFC 191 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Mighty Mouse

Known as the Mighty Mouse for being the king of the UFC’s smallest weight class, Demetrious Johnson is the third best Pound for Pound Fighter in Mixed Martial Arts. Mighty Mouse hasn’t lost since competing in the 125 pound weight class. In fact, Johnson is the promotion’s first and only Flyweight champion after winning the inaugural UFC Flyweight tournament at UFC 152. Since capturing gold, Johnson has made six successive title defenses and has virtually been unchallenged except for that close shave at UFC on Fox 6 in January 2013 where he was taken to his limits by John Dodson.

The Magician

John Dodson is known as the Magician but there is no trick with his vaunted left hand. Dodson has 8 KOs in 17 wins and he overpowered Demetrious Johnson in the first two rounds of their first bout. However, Dodson slowed down in the later rounds and allowed Mighty Mouse to do his thing. Johnson ended up winning by unanimous decision but the scorecards were close: 49-46, 48-47 and 48-47. Since losing to Mighty Mouse, Dodson worked his way back to another title shot with three consecutive wins, two of which came via stoppage.

Who Takes This?

As with his previous six successful title defenses, Demetrious Johnson is the heavy favorite in this contest at minus 500 while Dodson is a plus 400 in most books. Mighty Mouse is the #3 ranked Pound for Pound fighter in the sport and what sets him apart is his stamina. Against Dodson in their first fight, he got nailed with a lot of big left hands and was dropped multiple times in round two. But while Dodson started to fade in the championship rounds, Mighty Mouse kept the pace and pressure and eventually wore down Dodson. Dodson has gone five rounds only twice in his career and has lost both bouts. If he can’t stop Johnson early, he may be in trouble again. Johnson has won five of his last six bouts via 5 round decision so there is no doubt who has the edge as the fights drags on. Experts are picking Mighty Mouse to win by decision, this time it should be on a much wider score.