After all of the talk and controversy of Anthony Johnson’s weight issues, in the end it mattered little. Vitor Belfort weathered the early storm of an extremely aggressive Johnson to end the bout by rear naked choke with just seconds left in the opening round.

Johnson came out with bad intentions, stalking Belfort and earning a quick takedown after landing several front kicks. Johnson did damage early from the top, landing some good, short strikes from the top, causing visible swelling on Belfort’s right eye. After a brief stall in the action, the referee stepped in and restarted the fighters on their feet. The quick restart was the first of several in the bout.

Johnson once again looked to take the fight to the mat but was stuffed, as Belfort fought off a single leg attempt against the cage. “Rumble” did little to advance his position and as a result, the action was restarted again. When action resumed, Belfort connected with a big counter-right hand as Johnson came forward. Johnson kept pressing, working Belfort back to the mat again to earn another takedown.

After yet another quick restart, a big exchange ensued, but it was Belfort that got the best of the striking, forcing Johnson to duck in and look for another takedown. Johnson appeared to be fading, looking visibly fatigued as he continued trying to take the action to the ground. This time Belfort stuffed the attempt and rained down left hands as Johnson turtled up on his knees. Belfort quickly transitioned to the back of Johnson, and secured his first hook. Belfort then locked in his second hook and flattened out Johnson as time wound down on the first round. Johnson fought off the rear naked choke attempt initially, but after adjusting his grip, Belfort cinched up the choke and got the tap at 4:49 of the opening round.

“I had the whole country behind me, and I could feel it in there tonight,” Belfort said. “Next to God and my family, my fans are one of the most important things to me. Rio, America, all over – I love my fans.”

Belfort (21-9 MMA, 10-5 UFC) takes one step closer to title contention once again with the victory. Johnson falls to 10-4 overall (7-4 UFC).

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