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Taking a short-notice fight unfortunately did not give DaMarques Johnson any breathing space to avoid the UFC chopping block. The TUF 9 runner-up failed to make the 175 lbs catchweight against Gunnar Nelson -- he came in at 183 lbs -- and was submitted by the Icelandic prospect in the first round. It marked DaMarques' 3rd consecutive loss and 2nd failure to make weight, and according to his Twitter account it marked the end of his UFC career.
And the hits keep on coming... No longer a UFC fighter.
— DaMarques Johnson (@DaMarques_UFC) October 9, 2012
Johnson (16-12 MMA, 4-6 UFC) lost in the TUF 9 Finale against James Wilks, but as customary with most TUF finalists was signed to a UFC contract. He alternated wins and losses, all failing to go the distance, but losses to John Maguire, Mike Swick, and now Nelson see his UFC run finished. His exciting style could possibly see him return somewhere down the road but for now he needs to win again and that starts at regionals.
To give you an idea of the quality of The Ultimate Fighter: US vs. UK, which took place from April-June 2009, lightweight winner Ross Pearson is now the only fighter from that season who is still in the UFC. And even Pearson is 2-3 in his last 5. I think that stat speaks for itself.
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