If you set a record during a UFC fight card, it's a pretty safe bet your performance will be considered one of the most impressive of the event. That's what UFC flyweight champion Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson did in the main event at UFC 186 in Montreal on Saturday night.
After thoroughly dominating his bout against Kyoji Horiguchi, Johnson could have simply settled for ending his bout in top control and walked away with the unanimous-decision win. Instead, the pound-for-pound great went for the finish in the final 10 seconds of the bout.
Like a machine, he transitioned from the mounted crucifix, to full mount, to an armbar in all of seven seconds to force Horiguchi to tap out with just one second left in the fifth and final round.
MMA fans who truly understand the nuances of the sport can appreciate just how brilliant of a performance that was by the champion. Per Fox Sports UFC, Johnson had a witty response to a question about his record-setting performance during the post-fight press conference:
Size bias, a non-stereotypical fighter persona and a lack of main-event level push from the promotion don't allow Johnson to receive the attention he deserves. However, something tells me Mighty Mouse might be OK soaring, while still flying under the radar.
Here's a look at the complete results table for the event.
Michael Bisping Keeps Alternating Wins and Losses
Michael "The Count" Bisping hasn't won or lost consecutive fights in eight straight outings. On Saturday, he showed great resolve, excellent stamina and awesome takedown defense against C.B. Dollaway. Bisping took a hard left hook that dropped him in the first round. It looked for a moment like he might be stopped, but the 36-year-old veteran quickly regained his wherewithal and survived the round.
Dollaway is a former All-American wrestler from Arizona State University, but he couldn't consistently take Bisping down. Dollaway seemed to tire himself out in the process.
Despite being five years older than his opponent, Bisping had the clear edge in cardio as he outworked Dollaway in the last two rounds to earn the victory.
It was an entertaining scrap, and one that Fox Sports' Damon Martin believed deserved to be named Fight of the Night:
The prelim battle between Chad Laprise and Bryan Barberena was recognized, and it was a good fight, but Martin might be on to something with his assessment of the Bisping-Dollaway bout.
Thomas Almeida Is One to Watch
With a diverse striking attack and a nose to finish, the 23-year-old Thomas Almeida has the look of a future star. On Saturday, he ran his record to 19-0 with 18 wins by stoppage when he scored a first-round TKO win over veteran Yves Jabouin.
Almeida's ability to change levels with his strikes and do damage with his punches and kicks is noteworthy. If he can continue to develop his takedown defense and sharpen his above-average jiu-jitsu skills, he could be in position to challenge for a title in the next two to three years.
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