With UFC Vegas 103 hit with not one but two fight cancellations on Friday, a truncated preliminary card kicks off with #12-ranked flyweight Charles Johnson looking to fend off Ramazan Temirov.
Temirov had earned a Performance of the Night bonus in his promotional debut back in November, where he put away CJ Vergara. That had earned him a shot at the top 15 in just his second fight with the UFC; Johnson, for his part, was on a tear, winner of his last four with two post-fight bonuses in that stretch.
This was a very intriguing matchup between an up-and coming-prospect in Temirov, who had won 11 fights by knockout in his career and Johnson, the credentialed veteran with a wealth of experience.
Johnson started the first round pressing forward in the southpaw stance. Temirov countered with two spinning attacks that barely missed and landed a crisp right hand on the way out. Johnson felt the power early and started to retreat against the cage. Temirov landed a big right hand that forced Johnson to shoot a takedown. After defending and returning to his feet Temirov continued to look for a finish. Throwing violent kicks to the body and over hand rights, Temirov looked very good through the first three minutes. Johnson began to find a home for some leg kicks on the outside, but couldn’t get anything substantial going with his striking. After the opening five minutes it was Temirov who jumped out to an early lead.
In the second round, Johnson pressured forward and attempted a takedown against the fence in the opening minute. Temirov was loading up on big shots looking to end the fight with one punch. Johnson showed good defense getting out of the way of some powerful attacks from Temirov. Johnson was chasing Temirov all over the octagon looking to wear on the gas tank of the young prospect. Johnson landed a good elbow in the clinch and was fighting well on the inside when he closed the distance. after pushing Temirov against the fence, Johnson attempted a takedown again before landed another solid elbow on the break. The second round was competitive throughout and may have evened the fight at one a piece.
The final frame started with Johnson showing a sense of urgency pressing Temirov to the cage. Temirov countered with a takedown attempt of his own that momentarily landed before Johnson returned to his feet. It seemed as Temirov was tiring at a drastic pace with his hands hanging low at his sides. Johnson’s forward pressure was suffocating Temirov who seemed to be exhausted at this point in the fight. Johnson held Temirov against the fence near the thirty second mark before the fighters traded punches in the clinch. Both competitors embraced as the final bell sounded in a highly entertaining contest.
After three rounds all three judges scored the fight 29-28 for Temirov, who moved to 2-0 in the UFC, extending his win streak to eleven.
Official Result: Ramazan Temirov def. Charles Johnson by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
