UFC Fight Night 51 was live from Brasilia, Brazil this past Saturday night (Sept. 13, 2014) with 11 scheduled fights. After a solid night of scraps, let’s take a look at which UFC Fight Night 51 fighters we may no longer see compete inside the Octagon… ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK: Dashon Johnson “Fly Boy” made his promotional debut in June as an undefeated fighter with a professional record of 9-0, but unfortunately things did not go his way on that Australian night, as he was submitted by native Aussie Jake Matthews in the third round of action of their bout. Following the loss, he dropped down to the 145-pound division and got his second shot at a first Octagon victory this past Saturday night in Brazil but again came up short, being submitted by the Brazilian Godofredo Pepey in the very first round of action. Johnson is now on a two-fight skid and shows no promise as a UFC featherweight. I won’t be surprised to see him get another shot, especially considering he had to travel to overseas for both of his Octagon appearances. That said, I don’t believe he is UFC-caliber and think there’s a good chance he may have a pink slip on the way. Paulo Thiago Thiago has now dropped three straight and has lost seven of his past nine bouts, so I would be very surprised to see him get another fight in the UFC. I expect the 13-time Octagon veteran to be getting released from the promotion, especially considering how poor he looked against Sean Spencer in his last outing at this past Saturday night’s UFC Fight Night 51 in Brasilia. It is no secret that the Brazlian has been on a decline and Saturday night’s performance said that it may be time for him to hang up the gloves and stick to being a full-time police officer. Thiago has had some great years fighting for the UFC, but sadly the time has come for both parties to move on. Johnny Bedford After starting off his Octagon career with dominant back to back TKO victories, the Ohio native is now without a win in his past four bouts, last dropping a second round submission to the Brazilian Rani Yahya at this past Saturday night’s UFC Fight Night. I could see “Brutal” getting another chance in the UFC and won’t be surprised to see him the UFC’s upcoming Fight Night card in Bedford’s current home state of Texas. It would make sense for him to get cut, but I feel he will receive another opportunity; so with the Austin card soon approaching, we will know his fate sooner than later.
