UFC on FX 2 main card recap: Demetrious Johnson edges Ian McCall in first-ever UFC flyweight contest (UPDATED)

Ian McCall came in as the top-ranked flyweight in the world, but fell short in winning his UFC debut against Demetrious Johnson in the promotion’s first-ever flyweight bout. Johnson made history as he was announced as the winner by split decision following an exciting three-round battle between two of the best flyweights on the planet.

“Mighty Mouse” showed that his speed he showed at bantamweight would remain a factor after his drop to 125 as he showed off blazing leg kicks to start against Ian McCall. “Uncle Creepy” would respond however, with a quick takedown against the cage. McCall managed to corral Johnson long enough to land some significant strikes from the top, but within moments, Johnson was able to reverse position and make his way back to his feet. A big exchange followed, and while Johnson landed the higher volume of strikes, it was McCall that landed the more powerful punches during the flurry. Johnson then went back to work with his kicks. McCall absorbed several before catching one and earning another takedown. After a brief guillotine attempt by McCall, another dynamic scramble resulted in both men getting back to their feet. Johnson then shot for a takedown of his own but could not secure it, but did manage to land a flush right hand on his way out to cap off an action-packed first round.

Johnson came out in the second flashing his jab, while McCall looked to land his kicks. Again, Johnson failed at getting the fight to the mat, but was effective landing as he stepped away and took the center of the cage. Johnson then scored with several flurries as he took the center of the cage. McCall reset and found his rhythm, firing off a nice lead right hand before stepping in to close the distance. Another big exchange followed, with both guys scoring at close range. McCall utilized his knees in the clinch, forcing Johnson to retreat and reset. A late takedown by McCall was neutralized by the ability of Johnson to quickly get back to his feet without giving up position on the ground as the bell sounded on another solid round.

McCall really got on track in the final stanza, landing his kicks consistently and winning the battles in the clinch. Johnson was again landing the higher volume of punches in his quick flurries, but soon found himself on his back after a takedown. McCall then went to work, grinding short elbows from the top, while mixing in solid right hands. Johnson was able to roll out of trouble and get back to his feet, but “Uncle Creepy” was able to duck under a right hand, take the back, and execute a picture-perfect suplex to retain top control once again. From there, McCall advanced to a dominant full mount position and began landing big strikes from the top. Johnson manage to roll, but gave up his back, surviving a big flurry from McCall as the bell sounded on the bout.

A dominating final round seemed that it may be enough to earn McCall the edge on the scorecards, but after three rounds of nonstop action, it would be Demetrious Johnson (15-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) that would be the first man to advance in the UFC’s inaugural flyweight-tournament with the split decision victory.

The decision did not sit well with the crowd, as boos erupted after the announcement, with many feeling that Ian McCall did enough to earn the nod on the scorecards. With the loss, Ian McCall drops to 11-3 overall (0-1 UFC).

UPDATE: It was announced at the post-fight press conference that the commission tallied the scores wrong and the fight was actually a draw and should have gone to a fourth round.  Johnson and McCall will rematch later this year.