UFC on FOX 6: Johnson vs. Dodson

Demetrious Johnson (16-2-1) vs. John Dodson (15-5)

UFC flyweight championship belt holder Demetrious Johnson will look to defend the title for the first time in its history as he takes on John Dodson Saturday night in Chicago as the main event of UFC on FOX 6.

Johnson eked out a split decision against Joseph Benavidez in his last fight, winning the UFC Flyweight Tournament and earning the inaugural title. Dodson is the former winner of The Ultimate Fighter 14, but did so as a bantamweight. He has won his two fights since returning to the flyweight class, but he has just not fought a difficult class of flyweight fighters. Johnson has regularly gone up against the best of the best flyweights such as Benavidez and Ian McCall while Dodson lost as a flyweight at the end of 2009, fighting for the low-level Ultimate Warrior Challenge flyweight championship. Johnson should have no problem here in his first title defense. Play on JOHNSON to walk out of the United Center with his belt still intact.

Prior to his win against Benavidez, "Mighty Mouse" Johnson beat the talented Ian McCall, who he had previously drawn in their previous fight. A loss to Dominick Cruz preceded that for Johnson, but that was in the bantamweight class and against the world’s premier bantamweight fighter. Johnson can win any which way, though he likes to take it to the judges or win by submission, which he has done seven and six times, respectively, in his career. Both of his UFC wins as bantamweights have been decision victories. With his incredible speed and precise form, Johnson will look to take Dodson down, earning him the favor of the judges or setting up a chance for a submission. He is an extremely talented wrestler, something that may be difficult for Dodson to defend.

John “The Magician” Dodson has looked good his past two fights as a flyweight, easily beating weaker competition. First he earned a unanimous decision against Tim Elliott before TKO-ing Brazilian Jussier Formiga with a fury of punches. Like Johnson, Dodson’s strategy is based on his speed, but rather than using that to take an opponent to the ground, he focuses on his strikes and winning that way. He has six career knockouts and six career decisions to his credit with just two submissions. A stellar boxer and kickboxer, those facets of his game must be in top form to give him a prayer on Saturday night.