Bantamweights Miles Johns and Jean Matsumoto faced off as part of Saturday’s UFC Vegas 109 main card, with the promotion back at the UFC Apex for the second week running.
Both men were looking to bounce back from single losses that snapped win streaks, though in the case of Matsumoto, it was a 16-fight win streak to start his pro career that had been halted by Rob Font last time out.
The opening minutes of the fight saw Johns press forward landing quality punches on the inside. After connecting with a flush right hand Johns shot in on a well timed takedown that forced the fight to the floor. After a few minutes Matsumoto was able to return to his feet where he ate a clean left hook on a counter from Johns. Matsumoto landed a good kick to the body and attempted a flying knee that allowed Johns to press the fight to the cage. Johns landed a good body shot against the fence, and defended against a takedown by Matsumoto. After the first five minutes, Johns had jumped ahead to an early lead.
In the second round, Johns pressed forward landing a good double jab on Matsumoto. After a few moments, Matsumoto started to put the pressure on Johns landing a good kick to the body. The explosive style of Matsumoto was on display midway through the second, with the Brazilian prospect landing multiple dynamic kicks on Johns. Coming forward with a knee, Matsumoto left an opening for Johns to grab his leg and drag him down. Johns seemed to be tiring and could not keep Matsumoto on the ground. Both fighters exchanged massive hooks on the inside, as Johns was ahead on strikes 52-39 with a minute left in the round. Matsumoto continued to march forward looking to even the fight at a round a piece. Johns won the first round, but this second frame was far more competitive and could have been scored for Jean Matsumoto.
A big low kick from Matsumoto floored Johns momentarily in the first moments of the round. Fighting back well, Johns landed a good shot to the body and seemed to be walking well on the leg. Johns started to find a second wind in the fight, coming forward looking to land a big overhand shot. Matsumoto countered with a flush uppercut that rocked back the head of Johns.
After a multitude of calf kicks Johns leg was starting to swell, but he continued to be the aggressor, taking the fight down again with a minute remaining. His third takedown of the fight may have been his biggest yet, as he held control until the final fifteen seconds. Matsumoto shot in on a takedown attempt of his own that was stuffed by Johns. This was a very close and competitive contest that could have gone in either direction.
Following 15 minutes of action, the judges were split. The first going with Johns, the second with Matsumoto. The final judge, Sal D’amato, scored the fight for Jean Matsumoto who earned his third victory in the UFC. In his post-fight interview, Matsumoto called out former opponent Rob Font for a rematch in Brazil later this year.
Official Result: Jean Matsumoto def. Miles Johns by split decision (29–28, 28–29, 29–28)
