UFC on Fox 8 closed out with the Flyweight title bout between Demetrious Johnson and John Moraga. Johnson
Secured the title by winning the 125 lb. tournament with a decision win over Joseph Benavidez at UFC 152. He picked up his first defense at UFC on Fox 6 when he beat John Dodson. Moraga earned his title shot after back to back finishes in his first two UFC bouts.
Moraga had displayed significant striking talent leading up to his contendership opportunity. However, Johnson proved to be a step beyond him. He avoided Moraga’s strengths and forced the fight he wanted. He made Moraga hesitant on the feet with takedown feints and succeeded when he committed to the TD. Moraga landed a big punch in round four that dropped Johnson, but didn’t do enough damage to finish the fight. On the ground, DJ smothered Moraga BJJ offense and worked from top position. In the closing seconds of the final round, Johnson grabbed Moraga’s arm, he wrenched down for the armbar to elicit the tap and win the fight.
Demetrious Johnson picked up his first finish in the UFC with a 5th round armbar over John Moraga at 4:43 of round 5
This was a big win for Johnson to establish his reign as Flyweight champion. The division hasn’t gotten a lot of attention and a dominant champion should help that. Complete opposite for Moraga as a fighter coming off the FB prelims. Losing decisively in this fight probably pushes him right back to the extreme undercard, The win secured Johnson with the record of the latest submission victory in UFC history.