UFC on FOX: Johnson vs. Dodson
Looks like FOX is getting yet another
title fight for network television with the announcement that
Demetrious Johnson will defend his flyweight belt against John Dodson
in January.
The news was confirmed by Ariel Helwani
on UFC Tonight this evening. This will be the first title defense for
Johnson, who won the inaugural flyweight tournament with decision
wins over Ian McCall and Joseph Benavidez.
Dodson won the 14th season of The
Ultimate Fighter as a bantamweight before cutting down to
flyweight. Since the cut, he's picked up two wins, including a
stunning knockout victory over Jussier Formiga.
This will be the third title fight on
network television.
The UFC made a huge splash last year on
FOX with a heavyweight title fight between Cain Velasquez and Junior
Dos Santos. The bout was a bit underwhelming, as Dos Santos starched
Velasquez in 64 seconds to capture UFC gold.
The final FOX card of 2012 features a
lightweight title fight in the main event as Benson Henderson looks
to defend the belt against Nate Diaz. Both Henderson and Diaz are
exciting fighters who will likely keep the crowd on their feet.
This is a great play by the UFC to
feature the lighter weight belts on free television. They aren't
money makers on pay-per-view but have the potential to draw fans in
on network television. It's a move that appeases their television
partner yet also works to build up an often ignored weight class.