The mixed martial arts (MMA) judges inside Bridgestone Arena for UFC Fight Night 73 card (full results here) in Nashville, Tenn., were unkind to unsuspecting Lightweight contender Michael Johnson.
"The Menace" was in disbelief, like most of the MMA world, after the scorecard was read for his co-main event pairing with Kings MMA-trained product Beneil Dariush. The 26-year-old Iranian was awarded the split-decision victory (fight recap here) over his Blackzilians counterpart after 15 minutes of action.
While the tussle between two fighters within the Top 15 of the 155-pound division was not lopsided by any means, it was still fairly evident who the winner was.
The initial frame was marred by a slow start, but Johnson would soon settle in. He stuffed a takedown attempt by the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Dariush and then landed a beautiful counter left hand, which dropped the latter.
After a good performance in round one, much of the same was in-store for Johnson in round two, as he continued to stifle Dariush's gameplan, while connecting on multiple left hands.
The third round was Dariush's most successful of the night as he scored with several jabs and a jumping knee. However, it was Johnson who ultimately controlled the pace of the majority of the round, as well as the fight.
Unfortunately for him, the judges didn't agree, handing over the controversial split-decision win to Dariush. The victory is his fifth in as many fights and third of 2015.
Dariush improves to 12-1 overall, 6-1 UFC. Johnson's four-fight win streak is snapped as he drops to 16-9, 8-5 UFC.
For complete UFC Fight Night 73: "Teixeira vs. Saint Preux" results, including play-by-play updates, click here.
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