Miles Johns and Daniel Marcos squared off in a pivotal bantamweight clash on Saturday night at UFC Vegas 111, with both fighters looking to make a statement and climb closer to the division’s top 15.
Johns (15-4) entered the bout looking to avoid the dreaded three-fight skid after consecutive losses to Felipe Lima and Jean Matsumoto. The 11-fight UFC veteran needed a win over Marcos to reaffirm his place on the roster.
Marcos (17-1) entered the fight looking to rebound from the first loss of his professional career, a setback against Montel Jackson in May. Before that defeat, the Peruvian standout had built strong momentum with victories over John Castañeda and Adrian Yanez.
Round 1 – Johns opened with early pressure, attacking Marcos’ lead leg with heavy calf kicks, while Marcos tried to create space with push kicks. The leg damage quickly added up, prompting Marcos to rush forward with strikes before securing an easy takedown.
Marcos transitioned smoothly into top control, briefly locking up a cradle as Johns worked to regain his wrestling base and get back to his feet. Marcos swiftly moved to the back, but Johns scrambled up, spun to face him, and began hunting for a single-leg takedown.
After bailing on the attempt, Johns was met with a flurry of punches from Marcos, who poured on the pressure. Johns shot again but found himself trapped against the fence, absorbing knees, elbows, and short punches.
The round closed with Marcos stepping back and landing a few clean shots to punctuate a strong finish.
Round 2 – The two wasted no time trading in the center of the cage, with Marcos using his reach advantage to land looping overhand rights that Johns struggled to see coming. Johns focused on body shots, trying to slow Marcos down, but the Peruvian stayed composed and dangerous.
Marcos shot for a takedown but was reversed and pressed against the fence before disengaging to strike again. He ripped shots to the body while Johns looked to clinch, though neither fighter gained control in the exchange.
Moments later, Marcos changed levels and secured a slick single-leg takedown, putting Johns on his back. Johns threw up kicks in defense, but Marcos calmly adjusted his angle, dropped back into top position, and began landing ground strikes from behind as Johns fought to stand.
Johns managed to get upright, but Marcos stayed glued to him, relentlessly attacking with knees and pressure until dragging him back down. Once on the mat, Marcos expertly slipped his arm under the chin, locked in the rear-naked choke, and put Johns to sleep.
A dominant finish and the first submission victory of Daniel Marcos’ career.
Official Result: Daniel Marcos def. Miles Johns via R2 SUB (RNC), 4:23
