Hot flyweight prospect Lone’er Kavanagh took on the #15-ranked Charles Johnson as part of UFC Shanghai on Saturday.
It was a trip halfway across the world for both fighters, and a chance to crack the top 15 for Kavanagh, a 25-year old with an unblemished 9-0 record to start the night. Johnson is a veteran who had turned back prospects like Joshua Van and Jake Hadley in the past.
Kavanagh started with an low leg kick early that got Johnson’s attention. Johnson seemed considerably bigger in the cage but the lightning fast kicks of Kavanagh were finding a home. A short left hook by Kavanagh landed right on the eye of Johnson. Starting to retreat, Johnson seemed visibly affected by the shot. Midway through the round, Johnson entered the clinch but was pushed off by Kavanagh seconds later. The speed of Kavanagh was very impressive as he ripped combinations to the body and head of Johnson.
A beautiful uppercut by Kavanagh found a home in the back end of round one, as he was finding major success on the feet. A spinning back kick by the English prospect narrowly missed at the bell, as Kavanagh jumped out to an early 1-0 lead. The second round saw Johnson enter in on a single leg takedown in the first minute, but was countered with a guillotine attempt that allowed Kavanagh to get back to the feet. Seconds after Kavanagh attempted another guillotine and a takedown of his own. Johnson was slammed moments later before returning to his feet. Once on the feet, Kavanagh seemed to be tiring as Johnson landed a few shots against the fence. As he circled backward Johnson stepped in with a right hook that landed on the button. Kavanagh never saw the shot coming and was put down immediately from the punch.
Johnson followed up with a few more shots and put a stamp on this statement win. The Saint Louis native once again turned back a promising prospect at 125-pounds, earning an impressive KO win that should get him a bonus. The former LFA champion could skyrocket up the rankings next week and deserves a massive fight next time out.
Official Result: Charles Johnson def. Lone’er Kavanagh by KO, Round 2, 4:35
