Demetrious Johnson def. Joseph Benavidez via KO (punches), round 1, 2:08.
With a finish that earned him “KO Of The Night” and a result that solidified his spot at the top of the flyweight division Johnson is seemingly untouchable. There seems to be no real threat for his title based on his performances and who he has already beaten them. Johnson is up so high right now that he is possibly challenging the top of P4P.
Another title-fight loss for Team Alpha Male and their top flyweight fighter Joseph Benavidez. Unfortunately the fighter now enters the dreaded “Rich Franklin” area. After the first loss and then being finished decisively on Saturday night it means that he will be out of the title loop as long as Johnson is champ, which could be for a long time. Looks like Joe-Jitsu’s stock goes down slightly.
Urijah Faber def. Michael McDonald via submission (guillotine), round 2, 3:22.
Faber proved that age and experience can prevail over youth, well that and an awesome guillotine. The California Kid keeps churning in amazing performances and showing that even at 34, nearly 35, he has so much to offer. This performance, along with his previous three, will all add to the build-up to his inevitable title shot at either Dominick Cruz (fingers crossed) or Renan Barao.
Michael McDonald does not lose much with this loss. Faber was on-top of his game and is capable of finishing anyone. McDonald is only 22, he will be around for a long time and everything that happens now will only add towards his future in the UFC which will more than likely involve a championship belt.
Chad Mendes def. Nik Lentz via unanimous decision.
At first glance Mendes did not seem impressive in this fight with the decision win, then we here he had a sinus infection and we instantly can’t help but be more impressed with the fighter. We all expect the usual exciting Mendes with his explosive hands but when facing adversity and putting on a dominating performance like he did against Lentz only adds to the fighter.
Nik Lentz unfortunately goes back down the ladder. The fact that Mendes had a sinus infection and Lentz still got dominated the way he did does not come-off well. Lentz’s stock goes way down.
Joe Lauzon def. Mac Danzig via unanimous decision.
Lauzon needed a win here, three defeats in a row would have been tough to come back from. He looked his typical self always looking to advance and trying to get the win but unfortunately it was not meant to be. J-Lau did look dangerous and impressive with the decision and gets back to winning ways. Stock goes up.
Mac Danzig is now 3-8 in his past 11 fights in the UFC (5-8 overall in the promotion) and now has his second three-fight-skid in the UFC. His future in the promotion looks bleak and I will be very surprised if the UFC brass keeps him on the roster despite showing heart and grit in defeat. I’m afraid his stock has dropped out.
RESULTS & BONUS WINNERS
Demetrious Johnson def. Joseph Benavidez via KO (punches), round 1, 2:08. *KOTN
Urijah Faber def. Michael McDonald via submission (guillotine), round 2, 3:22. *SOTN
Chad Mendes def. Nik Lentz via unanimous decision.
Joe Lauzon def. Mac Danzig via unanimous decision.
Ryan LaFlare def. Court McGee via unanimous decision.
Edson Barboza def. Danny Castillo via majority decision. *FOTN
Bobby Green def. Pat Healy via unanimous decision.
Zach Makovsky def. Scott Jorgensen via unanimous decision.
Sam Stout def. Cody McKenzie via unanimous decision.
Abel Trujillo def. Roger Bowling via TKO (strikes), round 2, 1:35.
Alp Ozkilic def. Darren Uyenoyama via split decision.