With the flyweight division in full flight over the past few months, producing some of its best fights, it was Charles Johnson and Su Mudaerji representing the 125lb weight class on the UFC Vegas 99 main card.
Johnson had won three straight, with two post-fight bonuses in that span. As for Sumudaerji, he’d lost his UFC debut, rattled off a three-fight win streak of his own, then dropped his last two coming into UFC Vegas 99.
Each fighter shot for a takedown in the opening minute but neither landed. Johnson pressured Su Mudaerji in the southpaw stance landing leg kicks early. Following a big uppercut Johnson grabbed Su Mudaerji into the clinch and controlled him against the cage. After a stalemate against the cage, Su Mudaerji landed a nice knee on the break. In the final ten seconds of the first round both fighters stood in the pocket and exchanged heavy punches.
Johnson continued to pressure forward in round two trying to walk down Su Mudaerji as both fighters landed damaging leg kicks. Su Mudaerji missed big on a left hand leaving himself off balance, Johnson chased him down and connected on a right hand that scored a knockdown. As Su Mudaerji crumbled against the cage, Johnson landed big ground and pound that almost scored him a finish.
Over his career Su Mudaerji has proven how tough and resilient he is, surviving once again and making it to the third round. In the final five minutes Su Mudaerji put together his best round establishing a jab at distance. Johnson found a takedown with a minute and fifteen left in the third, but Su Madaerji scrambled to his feet and landed a straight left hand and a knee up the middle. Both competitors continued throwing until the final bell, as the fans in attendance cheered on.
After three hard fought rounds the judges all scored the fight for Johnson (29-28). Johnson out-landed Su Mudaerji in total strikes 84-78 while also landing two takedowns.
Official Result: Charles Johnson def. Su Mudaerji by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
