In a highly entertaining bantamweight bout, Brett Johns was able to outlast Montel Jackson on the UFC Fight Island 2 preliminary card.
Welsh fighter Brett Johns was back in action at UFC Fight Island 2 on Saturday. After a promising start to his career in the UFC’s bantamweight division, “The Pikey” had stumbled in steps up in competition against Aljamain Sterling and Pedro Munhoz. However, he’d bounced back against Tony Gravely in his last bout, and was looking to put together a modest win streak against Montel Jackson.
Jackson, a Contender Series alum, had won three straight coming into the night.
Jackson was very cautious in the early moments of the fight, while Johns was trying to get in on the taller fighter. Johns got the single leg quickly but was unable to get the takedown. Jackson eventually got a takedown of his own, but Johns got up quickly and returned the favor by getting his own takedown. Jackson was able to scramble up to his feet and did a good job of framing Johns off before landing a thunderous 1-2 that dropped Johns. Jackson jumped on top and landed some ground and pound but Johns did a good job of locking Jackson down and going for an armbar off his back to survive the round.
Johns jumped in on a single leg to start the round and did a good job of dragging Jackson down. Jackson was able to get up and defend well enough, but Johns was absolutely relentless in the grappling. Jackson shrugged Johns off and landed a nice combination but once again Johns was on him and got the takedown. He eventually got Jackson’s back and started to look for the rear-naked-choke. Jackson was able to fight off the choke and move into full guard where Johns tried to get the triangle choke but couldn’t lock it in. Jackson would then end the round on top.
Jackson tried pumping the jab to start round three, but Johns was once again in on a single leg takedown. Jackson did a good job of stuffing it at first, but Johns dragged him down again. Jackson was able to get his way back to the feet and landed a 1-2 but Johns was in on a takedown once again. Jackson was able to get up again and landed a 1-2 followed by a head kick. They treaded elbows in the clinch, and Johns got a big takedown in the final 90 seconds. Johns nearly got the back again but Jackson fought it off and shot for a takedown of his own. Johns went for a guillotine off the takedown and nearly got it, but Jackson fought out and they ended the fight in the clinch.
Official Result: Brett Johns def. Montel Jackson via unanimous decision (29-28 3x)
