Michael Johnson picks up 14th octagon victory, outclasses Darrius Flowers at UFC Vegas 86
The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to us tonight, February 10, 2024, for UFC Vegas 86, going down live from the UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada.
Headlining the event is a middleweight matchup between no. 11 ranked Jack Hermansson (23-8) and Joe Pyfer (12-2).
Co-headlining the event is a featherweight scrap between no. 13 ranked Dan Ige (17-7) and Andre Fili (23-10).
Our second bout on the main card tonight came in the lightweight division between Michael Johnson (22-19) and Darrius Flowers (12-7-1).
Johnson has been perhaps the most inconsistent fighter in UFC history; he’s beaten a lot of very good fighters, such as Tony Ferguson (UD), Edson Barboza (UD), and Dustin Poirier (KO), and nearly Beneil Dariush in what was a very controversial split decision defeat, all four of which were top five talents for years, though he’s also lost a good amount to lower ranked, and even unranked opposition.
Flowers on the other hand came to the UFC last year after his slam knockout victory on the Contender Series, losing his promotional debut to Jake Matthews up at 170 lbs last July.
Continue reading to see how this lightweight bout went down:
Official Result: Michael Johnson def. Darrius Flowers via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Johnson has a good opening round, using his leg kicks and boxing to keep the distance well. Flowers is utilizing his side kicks in attempt to keep the range but is more or less just eating punches to his head and body. Johnson secures a double leg takedown as round one comes to a close, ending the round on top.
Johnson’s striking continues to impress in the second, where he also continues to out-wrestle Flowers.
Johnson ends up on top in an exchange early on in the third and final round, remaining on top for four minutes until Flowers finally gets him off. Flowers attempted a triangle choke moments prior to getting back to his feet, failing on the attempt.
Flowers comes incredibly close to landing a flying knee in the final minute of the fight, the two ending up back on the mat where he searches for an armbar or kimura submission. However, it was too little too late, Johnson defended well and ultimately walked away the victor.
Michael Johnson went back to his roots tonight at UFC Vegas 86, it’s been a long time since we saw him wrestle, but it worked out well for him as he improves to 3-2 over his last five with this victory.
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