Featherweight action on the UFC Tampa Fight Night card at the Amalie Arena on Saturday saw Miles Johns taking on Felipe Lima.
Johns was 3-0 (with a No Contest mixed in) coming into the fight, while Lima, a.k.a. “Jungle Boy,” had picked up a win over Muhammad Naimov in his promotional debut last time out. Lima was looking to extend his 13 fight winning streak with a victory in this matchup.
In the first round, Johns came out extremely aggressive and charged forward on Lima. Johns was stung by a punch that momentarily dropped the Kansas native. After regaining his composure, both fighters collided heads resulting in a stumble from Johns. Lima landed a few damaging leg kicks while that scored him points. Johns was loading up on his shots trying to knock Lima out with one blow. Johns demonstratively waved Lima forward urging him to trade in the pocket as the round ended.
Lima showed extreme athleticism in round one, he was the much faster fighter and bounced in and out of range stinging Johns with big shots. The second round started with Lima applying pressure to Johns while landing a spinning backfist. The volume of Lima seemed to be giving him a lead in the fight. Lima shot for a takedown and successfully forced the former college wrestler to the ground. Johns scrambled to his feet, while plotting forward. Lima landed a flush uppercut forcing Johns to retreat momentarily. Johns threw wildly against the cage and connected on a right hand the dropped Lima.
A massive turn of events near the end of the round. Lima recovered getting back to his feet and landed a jab on Johns. Lima was ahead in the round until he hit the canvas late in the final minute, making this an interesting contest going into the third.
Johns chased Lima wildly throwing hooks that missed. Lima ducked under a punch from Johns and took his back midway through the round. Johns was in trouble as Lima forced the fight to the ground in back control. Looking for a rear naked choke, Lima was trying to finish the fight. Johns escaped and landed a takedown of his own before Lima was able to scramble back to his feet. Johns landed punches against the fence as the final horn sounded.
Heading to the judges scorecards it seemed as if the rising Brazilian prospect Felipe Lima had earned the victory. All three judges scored this contest 30-27 for Lima. The 26 year old gave his opponent respect following the win saying Johns was “A really tough guy”. With the win Lima is now 2-0 in the promotion.
Official Result: Felipe Lima def. Miles Johns via Unanimous Decision (30-27×3)
