Demetrious Johnson used a steady dose of takedowns and positional control to take a large lead into the final round of the main event of UFC on FOX 8, but it was his submission game that would give him yet another title defense as he submitted John Moraga by armbar.
Moraga went to his kicks early as the champion responded with his usual technical approach while showing off his speed and footwork. Moraga scored with the kicks, but Johnson seized control of the round after securing his first takedown of the fight. “Mighty Mouse” dominated the action from the top, threatening the arm of Moraga, while alternating strikes to the body and head.
The champion continued to dominate the fight as the rounds wore on, mixing up his elusive style with an in-and-out attack, while dipping in and putting Moraga on his back at will. Several times Johnson threatened with submission attempts, but it was his control that put him ahead going into the championship rounds.
Moraga landed his most significant strike of the fight in the fourth, wobbling the champion with a right hand that got the blood flowing, but the champion stayed resilient, shaking off the cobwebs while putting the challenger right back on the mat again.
In the final frame, the champion again took the fight to the mat and threatened Moraga with a kimura attempt. This time however, he took a chance, going to his back to secure a tight armbar that forced the tap at 3:43 of the round, giving “Mighty Mouse” the latest finish in UFC history in the process.
The dominating performance improves Demetrious Johnson to 18-2-1 overall (6-1-1 UFC), as he once again successfully defends his belt in impressive fashion.