The UFC flyweight title was on the line at the Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California. Champion Demetrious Johnson won the inaugural belt last year against Joseph Benavidez, and many fans expected another close, competitive fight between the two. What they got was an ending that no one expected.
It was a feeling out process in the first minute with Benavidez attacking with a few leg kicks. Just 2 minutes into the first round Benavidez was winding up with a right hand, but so was Demetrious Johnson, and Johnson's landed flush for the knockdown. Benavidez was already out but the extra shots assured a shocking KO win for Mighty Mouse, who hadn't recorded one in three years. Demetrious Johnson def. Joseph Benavidez by KO (punches) at 2:05 of round 1.
What was the high point of the fight?
The knockout. Really no other reason for me to point towards anything else.
Where do these two go from here?
Johnson (19-2-1) has defended his belt successfully 3 times, and really is making a case for best fighter of 2013. He's arguably a top 5 pound-for-pound fighter right now and has finished his last two opponents. Injuries have affected the landscape of the division a bit, so the best possible match-up could be the winner of John Lineker/Ali Bagautinov, which is rumored for UFC 169.
Benavidez (19-4) not only lost but he lost in devastating fashion. We've never seen him that hurt let alone knocked out. He'll probably get someone like Tim Elliott next, but it's hard to see him getting another shot at the belt any time soon.
Watch now, later, or never?
Now. It's only two minutes and features one of the most shocking finishes in UFC title fight history.