Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson Survives Scare to Deny Tim Elliott at ‘TUF 24′ Finale

Tim Elliott’s best effort was not nearly good enough. Demetrious Johnson scored with takedowns, scrambled into advantageous positions and shredded his opponent’s defenses with unending guard passes, as he retained the Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight crown in “The Ultimate Fighter 24” Finale headliner on Saturday at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Johnson swept the scorecards with 49-46, 49-46 and 49-45 marks from the judges.The five-round five was not without its share of unexpected drama. Elliott (13-7-1, 2-5 UFC) had “Mighty Mouse” in real danger in the first round, where he freed himself from an armbar, caught a tight guillotine and transitioned to a brabo choke. Johnson kept his composure, escaped to his feet and pitched a shutout from there. Elliott emptied his gun in a bid to dethrone the champion, utilizing a quirky standup approach, Donkey Kong hammerfists and even open-handed palm strikes. He was game but ultimately outclassed. Johnson spent the majority of the second, third, fourth and fifth rounds in top position, floating from half guard and side mount to the north-south position, the back and the topside crucifix. Only Elliott’s airtight submission defense prevented the finish, as “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 24 winner withstood the champion’s attempts at rear-naked chokes, straight armbars and kimuras to see the final bell (online betting). The 5-foot-3 Johnson (25-2-1, 13-1-1 UFC) has rattled off 11 consecutive wins and towers above the rest of the flyweight division.Benavidez Edges Rival Cejudo Elevation Fight Team’s Joseph Benavidez withstood a knockdown, benefitted from a point deduction and earned a split decision over 2008 Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo in the flyweight co-main event. Judges Glenn Trowbridge and Derek Cleary scored it 30-26 and 29-27 for Benavidez, while Marcos Rosales cast a dissenting 29-27 nod for Cejudo. Neither man seemed interested in giving ground to the other. The result was a 15-minute …

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