Demetrious Johnson Retains UFC Flyweight Title by Submitting John Moraga

In the main event of UFC on Fox 8, defending flyweight champion Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson (18-2-1) defeated John Moraga (13-2) via armbar in the fifth round to retain his title.

It was the first time that Johnson has finished an opponent since moving to the flyweight division. 

Even without the finish, Mighty Mouse was well on his way to a decision victory. The reigning champion took down the challenger at will throughout all five rounds before ultimately catching Moraga in the submission. 

The victory marks the second successful title defense for Johnson after winning the inaugural bout for the flyweight championship against Joseph Benavidez in 2012. Mighty Mouse went on to beat John Dodson in January and has now added Moraga to his list of victims.

Johnson learned from the back-and-forth battle against Dodson earlier this year and avoided many of the same mistakes. While Moraga used his unique blend of speed and power to catch the champ on multiple occasions, he could not dethrone the flyweight king. 

The future is still bright for Moraga, though, as the Phoenix, Ariz. native had won seven fights leading into this event and still looks to be one of the best talents in the 125-pound division.

While Moraga will look to fight back into contention for another shot at Johnson's title, the champion will have to move on to his next challenger.

As much as many fans would love to see a third chapter in the trilogy between Johnson and fan-favorite Ian McCall, there is little doubt that Benavidez has earned his chance at the title once again by winning his last two fights against top-10 UFC flyweights. 

In the five-round championship bout to determine the first-ever UFC flyweight champion back in 2012, Benavidez pushed the action but always seemed to be a step behind Johnson. After a disappointing split decision loss, the challenger has to be hungry for another shot at the strap. 

Momentum is on the side of Johnson right now after another marquee win, but the champion must get back to the gym in short order if he wants maintain his seat on the flyweight throne. 

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