UFC Fight Night 24: Five Things We Learned About Anthony Johnson and Dan Hardy
Anthony Johnson (9-3) showed in his victory over Dan Hardy (23-9) why he deserves to be ranked among the best welterweights in the UFC.
He didn't get caught up in the hype of the fight as a stand-up war and took Hardy down at will, controlling the British fighter for the majority of three rounds and attempting submissions throughout. It earned him a unanimous decision victory and an extra step up the welterweight ladder.
It will be interesting to see where the win takes him in terms of welterweight contenders and title shots.
No. 5 Dan Hardy's Takedown Defense Will Be His Downfall in the Division
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It isn't really a question of how much Hardy needs to improve his takedown defense because everyone seen how "good" it was against the likes of George St. Pierre and Anthony Johnson.
The wrestlers don't end there either. Jon Fitch, Matt Hughes, Josh Koscheck and up-and-comers Rick Story, John Hathaway and Johny Hendricks are all excellent wrestlers who could do the same.
So what should Hardy do in a division that is no stranger to the most dominant style in MMA?
Hardy already has answered:
"Win in a blaze of glory or go out on my shield. Someone like Mr Lytle...," said the 28-year-old via Twitter.
No. 4 Johnson Doesn't Keep Promises
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In a pre-fight conference call, Johnson didn't commit to any ground fighting at all.
“Hell no, this fight ain’t going to the ground,” Johnson said. “You’re talking to two guys who love to bang, plain and simple. We don’t like that lovey-dovey stuff, we want to keep it on the feet, give everybody what they want, what they pay their money for."
“So one way or another, somebody’s getting knocked out.”
Turns out Johnson wasn't feeling that way during the fight where he repeatedly took down Hardy at will in every round. He also threatened the former title challenger with neck cranks and arm-triangle chokes in the final round.
No. 3 Hardy Is in Desperate Need of a Victory
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Hardy will most likely admit it himself, but his next opponent will be in serious trouble whoever it is. With three losses in a row, Hardy is on the cutting board but will get another chance inside the Octagon.
Shorty after the bout, Hardy admitted on Twitter that he was "Disappointed and angry, but physically ok."
Hardy could take his loss and go in one of two directions; take on another top welterweight who is willing to stand and trade or go after a lower-level fighter to rebuild his confidence. It sounds as if he is heading in the first direction by calling out Chris Lytle.
Who wouldn't them two stand and trade for three rounds?
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No. 2 Johnson Can Make 170 Pound Welterweight Limit
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It was one of the bigger questions going into Saturday's event; could Johnson make the 170 lb. weight limit?
He did so and weighed in at 171. With a successful weight cut and a victory over Dan Hardy, Johnson has earned another shot in the welterweight division.
There's no doubt that the 6' 2" fighter from Dublin, Georgia, will have to eventually move up to the middleweight division but for now, his future remains in the division where he has knocked out five of his last eight opponents.
No. 1 Johnson Deserves a Top Welterweight
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With Jon Fitch, BJ Penn, Jake Shields, Thiago Alves and Georges. St. Pierre all having fights booked for future events, Johnson will need to take on the second set of welterweight contenders, which includes Carlos Condit, Martin Kampmann and Diego Sanchez.
These are all marketable fights featuring three of the most exciting fighters in the division.
Condit (26-5) is not afraid to fight his opponents at their own game and is one of the toughest fighters in the UFC.
Kampmann fought to a disuputed decision loss to Sanchez, which is worthy of a rematch. If that doesn't happen, a fight with Johnson could be next for either fighter.
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