Darren Elkins did his thing at UFC St. Louis, coming from behind to defeat Michael Johnson with a second-round submission.
Darren Elkins is one of the finest grinders in the game, utilizing durability and constant pressure to wear down opponents. Elkins is on a five-fight win streak over then-top prospects and most recently top-ten talent Dennis Bermudez. Elkins holds a great record of 13-4 with the UFC.
Michael Johnson will turn a new corner in his career at UFC St. Louis, dropping to the featherweight division. Johnson was 9-8 at 155-pounds in his Octagon career, but held very impressive victories over Edson Barboza and Dustin Poirier. Johnson will look to snap a two-fight losing streak tonight.
Michael Johnson and Darren Elkins threw down right away. Both fighters were having trouble finding steady footing, with Elkins shooting for takedowns and Johnson stuffing with ease. Johnson was landing the powerful shots, countering an Elkins rush with an uppercut.
Johnson established his range quickly landing straight punches with ease, including a left that rocked Elkins. Elkins stayed in the fight and landed a combination of his own. Johnson lowered his output but was still landing heavy hands on “The Damage.”
Johnson began mixing in some leg kicks, and landed a beautiful combination as Elkins came forward. Another combination connected for Johnson, and Elkins kept pushing on. Johnson handily won the first round with his accurate strikes.
Johnson opened up the second round with a counter left straight. Elkins finally took control of the fight by catching a kick and taking Johnson down. Elkins began to work from half guard, landing elbow after elbow. Johnson attempted to roll out, but Elkins was able to land on the back of Johnson. Elkins put both hooks in and sunk in a rear naked choke to complete the patented Elkins comeback in the second round.
Darren Elkins def. Michael Johnson by Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in Round 2 (2:22)
