By Alex Mattis
Sandwiched between last week’s Jones-Jackson superfight and the third encounter of Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard on the 8th is tonight’s UFC bantamweight title fight pitting Dominick Cruz against Demetrious Johnson. The always enthralling champion has an immense challenge on his speedy hands that presents some potential threats.
Dominick Cruz has become one of the most active, and hypnotizing, fighters in mixed martial arts today. Not losing a fight since 2007, the champ avenged his only career loss this past July when he bested Urijah Faber in a top candidate for Fight of the Year. Solid takedown defense coupled with lightning fast and precise striking has made Cruz a proven struggle to all challengers. With visions of a third bout with Faber or a rematch with Brian Bowels on a possible horizon it is crucial that Cruz, and the MMA community, doesn’t overlook the chore that is in front of him.
The takedowns and dominant grappling that Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson has shown over the past year has sent ripples through the division. Since his first professional loss against Brad Pickett in April of 2010, Johnson has gone 4-0. His last two victories came within the UFC and against top competition. At UFC 126, Johnson brought the comeback tale of Kid Yamamoto to an abrupt halt with an overwhelming decision victory. From there, Johnson defeated former world champion, Miguel Torres at UFC 130. Beating Torres is impressive; being able to out-grapple Torres is surprising. Johnson is on a great role heading into the fight of his career.
What recent bouts like Charlie Brenneman Vs. Rick Story, Clay Guida Vs. Anthony Pettis, and 4/5 of Chael Sonnen Vs. Anderson Silva have proved is that relentless wrestling can neutralize the best of fighters and styles. Demetrious Johnson has the ability to out-grapple Dominick Cruz, but first he will have to get a hold of him; fighting through the champs reach advantage. Mighty Mouse is going to have to take risk and charge at the champ in an attempt to get a hold of him or land any shots. While this will put the challenger in danger, Cruz has yet to show that he can change the course of a fight with one strike. Johnson will have to exploit this, and rush Cruz, in order to gain any advantage.
Another factor to ponder is that Johnson has yet to perform in the championship rounds, whereas Cruz has shown a bottomless gas tank in repeated 5-round wars. The 9-1 Johnson is competing in his first main event title fight, while Cruz will be in his fifth consecutive. DomCruz will be comfortable in the cage tonight. Will Johnson summon the courage of Mighty Mouse?
The Washington DC crowd for sure needs to make their beer and popcorn runs before this one gets underway as to not miss a second of the action. Demetrious Johnson has the tools that present an interesting fight and challenge for DomCruz, but it may be a bit out of the question to see a title change tonight.
