On Saturday night, Michael Johnson and Beneil Dariush stood toe-to-toe with each other for 15 minutes in a rather forgettable fight. Through three rounds, neither fighter had major success but a recurrent theme was the varied punching and Octagon control of Johnson. It came as somewhat of a surprise when Bruce Buffer read out the judge’s decision and declared the outmatched Dariush victorious via split decision.
Official result: Beneil Dariush def. Michael Johnson via split decision (29-28×2, 28-29).
What was the high point of the fight?
For the first two rounds Johnson was clearly having more success. In the third and final round Dariush got his act together but it appeared to be too little too late. Regardless of the judge’s decision the high point of this fight was Michael Johnson’s Octagon control and boxing skills, though Johnson can be criticized for not mixing it up more and utilizing some kicks and takedowns.
Where do these two go from here?
Saturday night should have acted as Michael Johnson’s coming out party. After scoring four straight victories against solid opponents, this fight was supposed to act as a springboard into title contention but it just didn’t fall into place. Johnson’s performance was lukewarm and while he has every right to be disappointed with the decision, he must too be disappointed with the work he put in in the cage. Johnson is extremely talented and this blow will act as motivation to make him even better in the future.
Beneil Dariush was an underdog coming into this fight but he hung in there. While he didn’t have much success he showed some glimpses of talent – his leg kicks were particularly pleasing on the eye. Like Johnson, Dariush hasn’t reached his full potential yet and is likely to improve substantially. Next time out I would like to see Dariush fight Bobby Green.
Watch now, later, or never?
Never. This fight wasn’t anything special.