After uncharacteristically slow start John Dodson turned up the heat on Jussier da Silva in the second round at ‘UFC On FX 5’, earning a TKO victory that sets him up for a shot at the UFC’s flyweight title.
The first round between these two flyweights was quite cagey with Dodson utilizing good movement, but not finding a home for his punches too often aside from the occasional body shot.
He was staying busier landing more than da Silva however as the debuting Brazilian appeared to happy to wait to counter. Da Silva also attempted a couple of takedowns, but Dodson’s takedown defense was lightning fast.
The second round began in similar fashion with Dodson still struggling to find his range and notably not throwing as many kicks as we’re used to seeing from him, no doubt worried about the possibility of getting taken down by bJJ ace da Silva.
Nevertheless, Dodson was still more active, while da Silva was barely offering up any offense at all.
Finally Dodson landed flush with a strike and it dumped da Silva to the canvas. He briefly thought about trying to work ground and pound on his dazed opponent, but wary of getting caught in a submission he decided to retreat and let him stand.
Dodson looked more confident now and that proved to be well-founded as he landed another big left hand that dropped da Silva again soon after.
Da Silva simply covered up on the mat and turned his back, allowing Dodson to rain down a few more strikes until the referee could dive in to end the action and award him the TKO victory with 4.35mins of the second round gone.
With this victory Dodson earns a shot at flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson’s title.
