Jimi Manuwa (No. 7) wanted to use Anthony Johnson (No. 1) to leapfrog his way into the Top 5 of the Light Heavyweight divisional rankings tonight (Sat., Sept. 5, 2015) at UFC 191, which emanated from inside MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Not tonight. Oh, boy, not tonight.
It was pretty clear from the beginning how this was going to go as Johnson clubbed Manuwa with a looping right hand that dropped the Englishman to a knee. He was unable to capitalize, however, and opted to shoot for a takedown and work him over on the ground rather than the feet.
Johnson eventually took Manuwa's back, and as he tried to get back to his feet, slammed him down to the mat. Johnson tried to jump over to mount, but Manuwa was able to keep him locked up in half-guard. "Rumble" appeared to be angling for a side choke, but he was unable to secure it and Manuwa was able to get back to his feet.
After a brief, powerful exchange, the pair ended up along the fence battling for position. Johnson delivered a few Charlie Horses to Manuwa's thigh as the first round came to a close.
The second round started with Manuwa missing with a big left hand and Johnson connecting with a right. The pair canceled each other out with leg kicks and as Manuwa lost his balance Johnson landed a crushing right hand. And that was all it took to end the fight, as Manuwa's eyes rolled back into his head before his body even hit the canvas.
Johnson went in to land a few more parting shots before the referee jumped in to save him from further destruction.
It was weird to see Johnson resort to his wrestling so early, but he said he saw an opening early and exploited it. It was good to see him go back to doing what he does best, which is separate very big men from consciousness with just one touch.
His knockout power, as Joe Rogan correctly described it, is "terrifying."
For complete UFC 191: "Johnson vs. Dodson 2" results coverage, including play-by-play updates, click here and here.