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Brought to you by Michael Owens

Last nights good, but unremarkable event on Fox roared into life when its two final fights delivered two monumental results in the UFC’s lightest weight classes.

Although the home-town Sacramento fans were left disappointed by the result of the main event, they witnessed the defining performance from the undisputed king of the flyweights, as well as a clinic from their MMA messiah.

Demetrious Johnson blew away Joseph Benavidez – and everyone watching – away. Who the hell saw this result coming? I fully expected another demonstration of technical brilliance and back-and-forth action exchanged by these two men over 25 minutes. I fully expected a close decision, where both fighters could hold their heads high. I fully expected there to be a case for a third fight between these two men in the near future. Instead, ‘Mighty Mouse’ showed that he has continued to improve enormously between fights and showed the kind of power that no-one expected from him. 


THOUGHTS: There are still interesting challenges for the champion out there, but it’s going to take something very special to get the better of Johnson, especially if he continues to improve at this rate.


Urijah Faber may have lost decisively to both Dominick Cruz and Renan Barão, but who isn’t excited by a rematch with either one now? ‘The California Kid’ stomped on young Michael McDonald last night with a true, well-rounded, aggressive mixed martial arts display. He banished all talk of ‘Mayday’s’ heavy hands by peppering him with heavy shots of his own and when the nick presented itself, he pounced onto it with predictably conclusive fashion.

THOUGHTS: I’d still favour whoever wins the Cruz/Barão fight in a rematch with Faber, but I have absolutely no problem seeing him try and reap vengeance on either of his old foes. He may end up on the losing side, but he will go for broke in his attempts not to.


Chad Mendes couldn’t hit a record-breaking fifth straight KO, but he was dominant in a unanimous decision win over a high-level and durable featherweight. Impressively, he did it all while suffering from a sinus infection. Mendes is another Team Alpha Male fighter who was beaten decisively by his division’s resident kingpin, but after the performances and winning streak he has put together, I doubt anyone will deny him another shot at the belt.

THOUGHTS: There is simply no-one better at 145 pounds than him other than José Aldo.

(I’m aware Aldo has to get past Ricardo Lamas, but unless you can put together a convincing argument why ‘The Bully’ will take home the belt in February, he’s out of the equation.)


Mac Danzig would have been the worst fighter Joe Lauzon had ever lost to, and there was no danger of that happening. The TUF 6 veteran had some joy in the clinch, but he was dominated in most other areas. ‘J Lau’ was unlucky not to get the tap from an armbar early on and he even gave up dominant position several times to attempt further submissions. Alas, despite extended periods on top and some slashing elbow action, Danzig showed his durability and the finish was elusive. As a result, Lauzon goes home with his first ever decision win and no bonus cheque, but his first ‘W’ in three bouts. 
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Best of the prelims
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Danny Castillo was unfortunate not to clinch a draw after knuckling up on Edson Barboza for five minutes, which warranted a 10-8 score. Credit to the Brazilian though for recovering and launching a highly aggressive assault for the next two frames. 
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I’m looking forward to watching Bobby Green fight again. He has great boxing, great takedown defense and a now a 3-0 UFC record after taking out one of the toughest grinders out there. 
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Zach Makovsky probably made Scott Jorgensen wish he stayed at 135 pounds after a remarkably one-sided fight that came just 22 days (TWENTY TWO DAYS) after he fought five rounds in the RFA. 
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Abel Trujillo scored a KO worthy of his intimidating, badly tattooed appearance, knuckling up on Roger Bowling like he was trying to get after his lunch money. 
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Full results:
 

Main Card

Demetrious Johnson def. Joseph Benavidez by KO(punches) – Round 2, 2:08.

Urijah Faber def. Michael McDonald by submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 3:22.

Chad Mendes def. Nik Lentz by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) – Round 3, 5:00.

Joe Lauzon def. Mac Danzig by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) – Round 3, 5:00.

Prelims

Ryan LaFlare def. Court McGee by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) – Round 3, 5:00.

Edson Barboza def. Danny Castillo by majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28) – Round 3, 5:00.

Bobby Green def. Pat Healy by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) – Round 3, 5:00.

Zach Makovsky def. Scott Jorgensen by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) – Round 3, 5:00.

Sam Stout def. Cody McKenzie by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) – Round 3, 5:00.

Abel Trujillo def. Roger Bowling by TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:35.

Alp Ozkilic def. Darren Uyenoyama by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28) – Round 3, 5:00.