UFC On Fox 2 Results Recap: Michael Johnson Vs. Shane Roller

by Matthew Roth on Jan 29, 2012 8:00 PM EST in UFC Event

In Lightweight preliminary action, Michael Johnson defeated Shane Roller by Unanimous decision. All three ringside judges scored the fight 29-28. The win improves Michael Johnson's record in the UFC to 2-2 and 10-6 overall. Shane Roller drops to 1-3 in the UFC and 10-6 overall.

Michael Johnson has shown signs of brilliance in his UFC career before making a mental error which ultimately costs him the fight. Saturday night he took the best that Shane Roller had to offer and came out victorious, though he still was close to getting submitted. Shane Roller may not have the best record in the UFC but he is a tough match up for anyone in the lightweight division.

What was the high spot of this fight?

There high point is definitely Michael Johnson surviving the body triangle and rear naked choke attempts before reversing position and taking top control.

Where do these guys go from here?

Michael Johnson picked up a much needed win over a solid lightweight with fantastic wrestling and submission grappling. While there should be no expectation that he'll be ranked in the top 25 of the division, the win showed that he's made big improvements in his boxing and defensive wrestling. That he kept his head when caught in the body triangle means that he's maturing as a fighter.

Shane Roller went from being one of the most impressive guys in the WEC to a fighter on a three fight losing streak. If he gets another shot he's going to be fighting with his back against the wall in the opening fight of the night. There shouldn't be any surprise or outrage if he receives his pink slip either.

Watch it now, later or never?

Later. Michael Johnson fought a smart fight but there's really no rush to see the fight.

SBN coverage of UFC on Fox 2

More Bloody Elbow coverage of UFC on Fox 2 in the full entry.

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the fight really highlighting how limited the back is as a offensive position at times in MMA

the gloves help the defender stop chokes and the rules about back of the head strikes take away a lot of offense. Johnson really used that to his advantage when he buried his face in the mat to ensure Roller’s punches were illegal.

Against a good defender, the only real attack for a guy from the back is to go for the armbar, which is a risky move.

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by T.P. Grant on Jan 29, 2012 8:54 PM EST reply actions