Thiago Moises submits Michael Johnson in second round
The UFC makes a quick turnaround after UFC 249 with UFC on ESPN+ 29 on Wednesday, May. 13.
A light-heavyweight clash between Anthony Smith and Glover Teixeira headlines the event at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. Ovince Saint Preux bounces up to heavyweight to take on Ben Rothwell in the co-main event.
In a preliminary bout, Michael Johnson (156lbs) enters his 23rd fight under the UFC banner looking for his first win in two years as he takes on Dana Whites Contender Series: Brazil winner, Thiago Moises in a lightweight battle.
Johnson, who has remained with the promotion for the past decade, has faced the best of what the illustrious lightweight division has to offer. With impressive wins over top ranked opponents such as Tony Ferguson and Edson Barboza, Johnson enters this fight looking to snap a 2 fight losing streak as he faces the hungry Brazilian, Thiago Moises.
Thiago Moises is entering his 4th fight with the UFC against the seasoned vet, Johnson. Moises is 1-2 with the UFC as he comes into this contest after dropping a decision to Damir Ismagulov at UFC Fight Night 57. The São Paulo native, Moises comes into this bout as the slight betting favorite over “The Menace”, although Johnson has the size and reach advantage over Moises. With both fighters entering this bout coming off of losses, this lightweight clash could very well determine either fighters future with the promotion.
Here is how this lightweight clash between Michael “The Menace” Johnson vs. Thiago Moises went down at UFC on ESPN+ 29, with round by round scoring, from MyMMANews.com.
Round 1:
The fighters touch gloves and get right to business. Moises leads the contest with a headkick that Johnson easily blocks. Moises follows up firing a teep kick to the midsection which “The Menace” also defends. Johnson stays active behind his jab as Moises backs against the cage. Feeling the pressure, Moises changes levels for a takedown which Johnson easily stuffs. The fighters stand and Moises throws a leg kick. Johnson throws a jab to the body and then goes upstairs with his punches. Moises shoots again and is thwarted off with ease by Johnson. Moises fires a rear leg head kick that Johnson blocks and trenches forward, stalking Moises.
Both fighters throw straight punches with neither connecting cleanly. Moises attempts two more headkicks that Johnson sees coming and defends. Johnson opens up with a punch combination, followed by a leg kick. “The Menace” follows up by going from body to head to keep Moises guessing. Johnson is still on the offense, stalking Moises around the cage as he fires with a straight punch down the middle. Johnson picks up the onslaught and starts throwing combinations. Moises attempts to exchange with his own punches as Johnson slightly turns up the pressure, switching combos from punches to kicks to knees.
Moises is pressed against the cage and Johnson rips into his body with a right hook. Johnson follows with a straight left to the head, followed by a leg kick. Johnson continues firing vicious punches to the body, then back up top. Moises fires a single punch to which Johnson follows with another combination.
In the closing seconds, Johnson switches levels, attempting to get a takedown to put a stamp on the round.
MyMMANews scores it 10-9 Johnson
Round 2:
Both fighters rush forward to establish cage control. Moises immediately changes levels, shooting for the single leg. Johnson attempts to fight it off and Moises pulls the contest to the floor with a grasp on a leg. Its only a matter of moments during a scramble before Johnson is caught deep in a heel hook, forcing the tap, only seconds into the second stanza.
Official Result: Thiago Moises wins via Heel Hook at 25 seconds into round 2.
For full results of the event, click here
