UFC Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale Results: James Wilks Chokes Out DaMarques Johnson to Take Ultimate Fighter Honors

by Kid Nate on Jun 20, 2009 11:18 PM EDT in MMA Events

Going into tonight's TUF 9 Finale, DaMarques Johnson was the only American fighter still in the hunt to win The Ultimate Fighter honors. Brit James Wilks was fighting for a shut out of Dan Henderson's Team USA.

Johnson's hopes of getting the win for his coach and country went unfulfilled as the British fighter outclassed him in a very one sided fight. Wilks dominated every aspect of the bout: striking at a distance, striking in the clinch, takedowns, scrambles, and ultimately submissions.

James Wilks is the welterweight Ultimate Fighter for season 9.

Wilks came out quick, landing shots and hurting his American opponent before closing in and firing with knees. Wilks made a questionable decision to drop back for a heel hook, allowing Johnson to get top position. Wilks then transitioned to a calf slicer, but lost the hold and gave up top position again. That didn't phase Wilks as he quickly attempted a triangle, then an armbar and ultimately reversed position with an omaplata. Announcer Joe Rogan declared that "Wilks is throwing a beating here." Shortly before Wilks took Johnson's back and locked in a rear naked choke with only seconds left in the first round.

The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale coverage

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Comments

I’m not bloody surprised to see Pearson and Wilks take the victories. I’m just a fool for not placing bets on those two huge underdogs.

by goodbones on Jun 20, 2009 11:22 PM EDT reply actions

Congratulations to the American, Wilks!

A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.

by iiowyn on Jun 20, 2009 11:26 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Wilkes just looked like he was in a different league there, I was surprised because I didn’t think he looked that special on the show.

by who me on Jun 21, 2009 12:21 AM EDT reply actions

I felt

the same way. On the show he wasn’t overly impressive. Maybe the house did it to him. But he looks like he could go places.

by Riney on Jun 21, 2009 12:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Yea now I am wondering why he had so much trouble with Frank on the show if he really is that good. He did so good in tonights fight I almost thought it was a different guy.

by who me on Jun 21, 2009 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions

The combination of the house, fighting so often, being away from friends/family/entertainment that affects these fighters

Most of these TUF alumni have stated that mentally, the house really messed them up. It just goes to show that we are not always seeing these TUF contestants at their best in the octagon when going through this competition.

by chrisbboy82 on Jun 21, 2009 5:39 AM EDT up reply actions

I came on here to post the exact same thing. His jab looked good in his previous fight, but that was about it. Against DJ, though…..wow…….he showed it all. And best of all for me was that he took risks. He rolled back for the heel hook and went for a host of submissions as well as showing some solid boxing and great knees from the clinch. It was a really well rounded performance. I thought I was going to see my very first submission via omoplata even at one stage there too. I’ll be interested to see how he goes.

by GeeDub on Jun 21, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions

“Congratulations to the American, Wilks!”

Shut up. Plank.

Hate more because 8 seasons has dried up all your nation’s talent.

by Felonious on Jun 21, 2009 12:29 AM EDT reply actions

It is NOT the Ultimate Fighter that has dried up the nation's talent

It is obviously more from just the UFC getting bigger and other organizations like Strikeforce or DREAM that is getting the talent. TUF may get one or two diamonds in the rough, but that is it.

by chrisbboy82 on Jun 21, 2009 5:36 AM EDT up reply actions