This is an interesting test case for the flyweight division.
Demetrious Johnson is one of the best MMA fighters on planet Earth. He's currently No. 3 overall in the UFC's official rankings. He's the first and only person to ever wear the UFC's flyweight strap. He's never lost a flyweight fight; the last time he was defeated was four years ago, when then-champion Dominick Cruz bested him in a close bantamweight fight.
The closest anyone has come to dethroning the 125-pound king was in 2013, when a super athlete by the name of John Dodson scored a knockdown on "Mighty Mouse" before the champ ultimately recovered for a decision victory.
This Saturday at UFC 191, the rematch is on.
For months (if not years), Dodson has told anyone with a microphone how boring he thinks Johnson is and how counterproductive Johnson is for a division in need of charisma. And despite Johnson's brilliance in the cage, the fans seem to agree with Dodson, at least if the relevant pay-per-view buys and television ratings are to be believed.
Heading into UFC 191, though, there are signs that Johnson has heard that talk and has turned up the juice on his own talk accordingly. Looks like the Conor McGregor Effect is in full swing over in Demetrious Johnson Land.
So it's a perfect storm at UFC 191: a great fighter, a proven challenger, a justified rematch between two guys working hard to bring heat to the contest, a relatively slow sports calendar over a long weekend, a prime Las Vegas setting.
If the fans don't show up for this one, well, it'll be a sad day for the little guy.
But there's more on the card than just the main event, as interesting as it is. There is intrigue all up and down the 11-fight slate. Here's your complete guide to the action, including information capsules, predictions and viewing coordinates. Please enjoy.
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