UFC 197: Demetrious Johnson vs. Henry Cejudo, a Head-to-Toe Breakdown

The co-main event at UFC 197 on Saturday isn't getting much press, but it features arguably the pound-for-pound best fighter on the planet, Demetrious Johnson (23-2-1).

Johnson defends his UFC Flyweight Championship against rising star and Olympic gold medalist, Henry Cejudo (10-0).

The flyweight division has only known Mighty Mouse as its leader since its inception under the UFC banner in 2012. He does everything to near perfection. He is the example of what MMA can be at its highest level. And yet, he gets virtually no respect.

This is another opportunity for the flyweights to gain that respect. UFC 197 puts them on a platform underneath the return of Jon Jones. Who will walk out of the Octagon wearing 12 pounds of gold?

Here is your head-to-toe breakdown for Johnson vs. Cejudo.

Striking

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All fights start on the feet, and that is where we begin as well.

Cejudo is a talented boxer, which people tend to overlook because of his wrestling credentials. Cejudo has excellent power in his hands. If he connects cleanly, the UFC could have a new champion.

Even still, Johnson is the better striker. He has showcased fantastic striking in all facets: punches, knees, elbows and kicks. At one point in his career, we could made a remark about a lack of power, but when he iced Joseph Benavidez in 2013, that line of thinking went away.

Cejudo has to land a perfectly timed punch on the button. That'll be the only way he wins the stand-up because Johnson isn't going to stand and trade in the pocket. He is in constant motion. Johnson's movement and well-rounded striking attack give him a solid edge on the feet.

Edge: Johnson

Grappling

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Cejudo is an Olympic gold medalist. He is without question the better pure grappler in this matchup, but while it is obvious he holds the edge, I would be remiss not to talk about Mighty Mouse's exceptional grappling.

In all of his flyweight title tilts, Johnson has landed 41 takedowns, per FightMetric. This includes five on Benavidez, nine on John Dodson, 12 on John Moraga and 14 on Kyoji Horiguchi.

Fans have to realize that MMA striking and MMA wrestling are different than their non-MMA equivalents. Johnson has moved into a category of being an elite MMA grappler because of his quick level changes and explosive takedowns.

Can he do that against Cejudo? It'll be difficult, but yes. Watch for any takedown attempts from Johnson because they could be a vital piece of his game plan Saturday.

Edge: Cejudo

Submissions

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Cejudo is the better wrestler, but once the fight is on the floor, he will be playing with fire.

Johnson isn't a world champion jiu-jitsu artist like Jussier Formiga, but he has a full kit of submissions ready to catch anyone. He is always looking to finish, and any opening could see him attack an appendage or choke. In his career, he has nine submission wins.

Cejudo is still learning. He has only been a professional since March 2013. Johnson had already competed in the UFC seven times by that point. There is a big discrepancy in experience between them.

If Johnson is able to take down Cejudo, we will get to see how well he responds off his back against a quick finisher on top.

Edge: Johnson

X-Factors

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Cejudo's X-Factor: Being a Mixed Martial Artist

There is little question that Cejudo is a fantastic fighter with elite-level skills, but he has a tendency to focus on only one aspect of his game during a fight. That will not be good enough against Johnson.

Cejudo has to blend his wrestling and striking together. He has to threaten Mighty Mouse everywhere and make him think. If the challenger is reduced to being just a striker or wrestler, the champion will dominate him.

Johnson's X-Factor: Threaten with Takedowns

Johnson can win this fight on the feet, but he will be most successful if he at least threatens Cejudo with takedown attempts. Getting that little bit of reaction from Cejudo will tell Johnson, and head coach Matt Hume, a lot about the challenger's strategy.

Johnson can make the necessary adjustments to win the fight without much resistance.

Forcing Cejudo to react to takedown attempts, or just feints, will give Johnson all the openings he needs to retain his belt without breaking a sweat.

Prediction

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The champion is the pound-for-pound best in the world, in my opinion. He does everything to a high degree of accuracy. He is a marvel to watch.

Cejudo is a developing fighter who is stepping into this fight a little too soon.

Johnson will break down Cejudo's game plan in the first three minutes and cruise the rest of the way doing just about whatever he wants. Cejudo doesn't have the full repertoire to make the necessary adjustments against Johnson.

The championship rounds will be full of Johnson scoring successful takedowns, with Cejudo scrambling back to his feet, only to be taken down again. Johnson's only concern is getting clipped by a well-timed Cejudo counterpunch. Other than that, this should be a clean sweep on the scorecards.

Look for 50-45 across the board, if not 50-44.

Prediction: Johnson defeats Cejudo by unanimous decision.