UFC on FOX 8: July 27, 2013 Seattle, Washington UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson (-380) Profile: Demetrious Johnson (17-2-1) became the first-ever UFC flyweight champion following a split decision win over Joseph Benavidez at UFC 152. The 25-year-old from Washington had also earned a unanimous decision win against Ian McCall in a semifinal bout at UFC on FX 3 after the two fought to a draw on March 3. “Mighty Mouse” thought he had walked away with a victory against McCall the first time around, but a scoring mistake changed the decision and forced a rematch for the right to face Benavidez for the title, a fight that Johnson ended up winning. Johnson had previously lost a bantamweight title fight against champ Dominick Cruz last October before dropping to the flyweight division, and he is 5-1-1 in the UFC with another notable win over John Dodson at UFC on FOX 6. UFC Flyweight Contender John Moraga (+260) Profile: John Moraga (13-1) competes for the UFC flyweight title after only two previous fights in the Octagon. Both fights took place on the Facebook prelims. The 29-year old has defeated both Chris Cariaso and Ulysses Gomez so far in the UFC to earn his title shot and now he gets the chance to prove he’s the best in the world when he takes on Demetrious Johnson. Moraga has solid wrestling, knockout power and submission prowess making him arguably the most well-rounded fighter in the entire flyweight division and he definitely has the ability to win the title. Opening UFC on FOX 8 Odds Analysis: MMA oddsmaker Nick Kalikas made Johnson a large -380 favorite (bet $380 to win $100) while Moraga opened as a +260 underdog (bet $100 to win $260) at Several Bookmakers sportsbook. This is a very interesting matchup between the two most well-rounded flyweights in the UFC and it’s a fight that is likely closer than the odds indicate. Of course Johnson deserves to be the favorite because he is the champion but Moraga is not to be slept on as he has the wrestling, striking, and submission game to make things with Johnson interesting anywhere the fight goes. Ultimately the fight may come down to Johnson’s speed, but that’s probably the only glaring advantage he has.
