On this week’s Choke MMA Show, host Erik Fontanez speaks one on one with UFC President Dana White about upcoming title fights and concern about the Biogenesis PED scandal hitting the UFC. Also, Ivan “The Tech Guy” gives us his picks for UFC 163.

Dememtrious Johnson (right) applies the armbar to beat John Moraga at UFC on Fox 8. Photo via Getty Images.

He’s quick, effective, strong and a well-rounded mixed martial artist. These are the reasons why Demetrious Johnson holds the UFC’s 125-pound (flyweight) title.

His only problem, it seems, is that he’s 125 pounds, fighting in a weight division that is still developing and yet to be a proven draw.

But what’s the reason behind the lack of drawing power? Well, there’s the idea that fans observe the Octagon, gazing upon fighters half their size, then say something along the lines of, “I’m twice as big as that dude. I can take him!”

But who beyond keyboard warriors will say that kind of thing? Likely few, and certainly not anyone with half a brain.

Whatever the reason for the lack of flyweight fever, the overnight ratings, according to tvbythenumbers.com, show that UFC on Fox 8 had the lowest ratings of any fight card on “big Fox” since the promotor and television station signed their landmark partnership in 2011. The average of 2.04 million viewers and .9 rating in the 18-49 age demographic are a far cry from the first UFC on Fox, which did a 5.7 million average with a 3.1 rating.

That’s the textbook definition of downslope, folks.

But, as is the usual following UFCs on Fox, now begins the wait to hear what UFC President Dana White will say in response to “dummies” and “morons” who know nothing of ratings and how they work.

Admittedly, I’m one of those alleged morons because I pay little attention to ratings. I watch the fights for fight purposes, and that’s all. But when the numbers are right there in front of my face, I can’t ignore them, regardless of how moronic I may or may not be. So they get, at the very least, a mention. Besides, that seemed to be the only thing people were talking about on Sunday morning.

The fact is that the 125-pound division is in its infancy, and casual fans still need to soak in the names, like Johnson, Benavidez and McCall, for a bit longer before getting overly excited about the flyweights. Give it time, people. After all, lightweights, who’ve been in the UFC for years now, still  to this day face an uphill ratings battle with their heavier colleagues. Just take a look at lightweight pay-per-view buys and Fox ratings in comparison to heavier main events.

So, are flyweights just mediocre fighters and that’s why they don’t draw? Of course not. Evidenced by the superb performance put on by “Mighty Mouse” in the UFC on Fox 8 main event and other fighters on previous cards, the flyweights have talent in terms of skill, speed, endurance and other characteristics. Now they just have to pay their dues and fight their way up the ladder. On thing that will help — and I write this knowing it’s easier said than done — is less decisions and more finishes.

And while we’re at it, let’s stop the “super-fight” talk. If we’re to give flyweight a chance to shine, we can’t take their title holder and have him fight a weight class higher — not just yet, anyway. It’s not as though Johnson cleared out the weight class, as there are currently 16 flyweights signed to the UFC roster. Beating four in a row, while impressive, doesn’t call for a champion versus champion showdown, especially since bantamweight has its own issues at the moment.

But that’s a whole other column.

Robbie Lawler is downright scary again at 170 pounds

Robbie Lawler (left) victorious at UFC on Fox 8. Photo via Getty Images.

Over 11 years ago, Robbie Lawler made his UFC debut, a unanimous-decision win over Aaron Riley at UFC 37. Since then, Lawler has seen his ups and downs as a mixed martial artist.

UFC on Fox 8 showed that his roller coaster career is currently on the upswing.

Upon returning to the UFC, the 12-year MMA veteran decided to drop to welterweight for the first time since 2004. The move has proven to be a positive one for him, as “Ruthless” finished two consecutive welterweight fights since dropping a weight class.

The knockout of Voelker on Saturday’s UFC on Fox broadcast, although not over a definitive top-10 fighter, showed that Lawler is approaching the upper echelon of fighters in the division, much like he was all those years ago. Without question, another win at 170 pounds will put the former middleweight in the mix with names like Demian Maia, Rory MacDonald, among others.

Two wins. Two knockouts. A featured bout, perhaps on a pay-per-view, against a top-five competitor isn’t completely out of question for Lawler.

Anyone up for a rematch against Nick Diaz?

Lawler and Diaz first faced off way back at UFC 47, a fight wherein Diaz got the best of his opposition by peppering Lawler with punches until it was too much. The knockout is one of the most impressive wins for Diaz in a lot of circles.

Book it, Dana White and Joe Silva. That is if Diaz is back from his pseudo retirement.

Rory MacDonald, Jake Ellenberger both hurt their stock

Rory MacDonald’s unanimous-decision win at UFC on Fox 8 wasn’t pretty.

For three rounds, Ellenberger wouldn’t “pull the trigger” in a fight where he conjured up a lot of trash talk leading into it.

If the Seattle crowd booing wasn’t enough to tell you, the bout was a disappointment.

“I did exactly what I was supposed to do,” MacDonald said at the post-fight press conference. “I kept up my end.”

Not so fast, according to Dana White. In the opinion of the UFC President, and most everyone else that watched the fight, MacDonald didn’t do anything to try and finish the fight.

“Rory didn’t do anything to try and … make a statement, not only to the world, but to the guys in that division,” White declared.

And he’s right. MacDonald, and to a further extent, Ellenberger, did nothing to live up to the pre-fight jargon that promoted the fight.

Luckily for MacDonald, he came out ahead on the scorecards, which means he’ll move closer to fighting for a title shot (if he ever agrees to fighting teammate Georges St-Pierre). But he didn’t earn any fans. And that might not be important to him for now, but it should be. Less fans equals less appeal. Less appeal equals pay-per-view less buys. Less buys means less leverage in contract negotiations, which isn’t good in the long run of things.

As for Ellenberger, there’s nothing worse than leaving a bad taste in your boss’ mouth. When White says you “did nothing” in a fight that weighed heavily on the 170-pound picture, things can’t be all that good going forward. The trash talk leading in was epic — Sonnen-like, if you will — but you have to deliver the goods if you’re going to make anything of it. That didn’t happen on Saturday night.

The road back to contender status is going to be a long one for Ellenberger.

“The Guard Past” is a post-fight column by GRACIEMAG Assistant Editor Erik Fontanez. Look for more of the same following more fights in the future.

Demetrious Johnson se estica e Moraga bate no braço. Foto: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Veloz, preciso e eficiente. São estas as palavras que definem o vencedor de Demetrious Johnson no UFC on Fox 8, realizado nesse sábado, dia 27 de julho.

O justo armlock do pequeno Demetrious sobre o desafiante John Moraga lhe rendeu, além da defesa de seu cinturão, o bônus de melhor finalização da noite. No coevento, Rory MacDonald e Jake Ellenberger lutaram com pouco afinco e o canadense Rory levou a melhor, sob as vaias da plateia presente no Key Arena, em Seattle, EUA.

Ainda na noite, tivemos a primeira brasileira atuando no UFC, mas com derrota. A guerreira Jessica “Bate-Estaca” não foi páreo para a experiente Liz Carmouche, ex-desafiante ao título feminino do Ultimate, que castigou por cima para sacramentar um nocaute técnico.

Os destaques da noite ficaram com o nocaute de Robbie Lawler sobre Bobby Voelker com um chutaço de esquerda, para a luta cheia de reviravoltas entre Ed Herman e Trevor Smith, no qual Herman saiu vencedor, e para o triângulo de mão arrochado por Jorge Masvidal sobre o, até então, invicto Michael Chiesa, que bateu no último segundo da segunda etapa.

Confira os resultados da edição:

UFC on Fox 8: Johnson vs Moraga
KeyArena, Seattle, EUA
27 de julho de 2013

Demetrious Johnson finalizou John Moraga no armlock aos 3min43s do R5
Rory MacDonald venceu Jake Ellenberger na decisão unânime dos jurados
Robbie Lawler nocauteou Bobby Voelker aos 22s do R2
Liz Carmouche venceu Jessica Andrade por nocaute técnico aos 3m57s do R2

Card preliminar

Jorge Masvidal finalizou Michael Chiesa no triângulo de mão aos 4min59s do R2
Danny Castillo venceu Tim Means na decisão unânime dos jurados
Melvin Guillard venceu Mac Danzig por nocaute técnico aos 2min47s do R2
Daron Cruickshank venceu Yves Edwards  na decisão dividida dos jurados
Ed Herman venceu Trevor Smith na decisão dividida dos jurados
Germaine de Randamie venceu Julie Kedzie na decisão dividida dos jurados
Justin Salas venceu Aaron Riley na decisão unânime dos jurados
Yaotzin Meza finalizou John Albert no mata-leão aos 2min49s do R1

Photo by Esther Lin for MMAFighting.com

Demetrious Johnson successfully defended his UFC flyweight title, getting a submission-win over John Moraga in the main event at UFC on Fox 8 in Seattle.

The Saturday night UFC card ended when Johnson locked on an armbar at 3:43 of the final round.

“I’m here to fight,” Johnson said in his post-fight interview. “If the finish comes to me, I’m going to take it.

“I’m just trying to keep on getting better.”

Johnson used his trademark speed to avoid strikes from Moraga in the early stages of the featured fight, landing a few of his own in response. Moraga chased him down, but Johnson eventually got the takedown and worked from top position. Johnson locked on a front choke then transitioned to a guillotine attempt, but time ran out and the first round ended.

Johnson completed a double-leg takedown to open up the second round, passing the guard moments later. “Mighty Mouse” maintained side control and landed a combination of strikes from the top. The fight returned to the feet after some scrambling, but Johnson scored another takedown and landed several more strikes on the ground, including punches and elbows, through the end of the round.

Moraga continued to have difficulty dealing with his opponent’s tenacity in the third round. Johnson brought the fight to the ground again, but Moraga found an escape soon after and brought it to a stand-up battle. He attempted a takedown of his own, but Johnson countered, secured a trip and ended up on top again. After a near finish with a kimura by Johnson, Moraga got his first takedown of the fight before the end of the round.

The fourth round had more of the same as the previous rounds, as Johnson scored yet another takedown. The 125-pound champ continued to control the fight, but Moraga landed a right hand that sent Johnson reeling. The punch was one of the only bright spots the challenger had in the fight.

Johnson recovered from the punch in the fifth round, securing his 10th takedown of the fight in the final frame. While on the ground, Johnson worked for a kimura again, but transitioned for the armbar, finishing the fight with the submission.

The stoppage, according to color commentator Joe Rogan, is the latest finish in UFC history with 1:17 left in the fight.

With the win, Johnson improves his record to 18-2-1, unbeaten in the UFC since dropping to 125 pounds.

MacDonald decisions Ellenberger in less-than-exciting co-main event

Rory MacDonald scored a unanimous-decision win over Jake Ellenberger at UFC on Fox 8. Photo via MMAWeekly.com.

Rory MacDonald used a tactical approach, earning a unanimous decision over Jake Ellenberger in their UFC on Fox 8 main event on Saturday.

MacDonald went to his jab to score on the feet for the majority of three rounds, convincing the judges of seeing the bout in his favor with scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 30-27.

The match opened up with both fighters being very calculated. MacDonald used his jab to keep his opponent at bay, while Ellenberger attacked with a few flurries when countering. MacDonald broke away every time his opponent attempted to clinch and continued to use the jab to win the opening round.

MacDonald continued to use the jab in the second round. Ellenberger attempted a takedown halfway through the frame, but MacDonald stuffed it and successfully landed an uppercut. Working from the outside, Ellenberger didn’t close any distance between himself and MacDonald to land any significant strikes. The second round ended with a chorus of boos from the Seattle crowd.

As the third round began, MacDonald kept Ellenberger at a distance until the final minute of the fight. With the first takedown of the bout, Ellenberger gained top position and attempted landing strikes from guard. It ended up being too late, however, and time expired.

The win improves MacDonald’s record to 15-1, and is now in serious consideration for a UFC title shot against his teammate, 170-pound champ Georges St-Pierre. MacDonald, though, has avoided committing to a fight with GSP due to their close relationship.

Lawler dominates Voelker, finishes with head kick

Robbie Lawler knocked out Bobby Voelker in their UFC on Fox 8 main card bout, landing a head kick at 0:24 of the second round.

Lawler controlled the contest from beginning to end, giving Voelker little opportunity to mount any offense throughout.

The two welterweights exchanged strikes early, but Lawler scored a takedown to gain the first advantage. After returning to the feet, Lawler pressed Voelker against the cage and landed strikes, cutting Voelker open across the bridge of the nose. Lawler continued to pick away at his opponent with a mixture of punches, kicks and knees through the end of the opening round.

The second round came and went within seconds, as Lawler landed a head kick that sent Voelker dropping to the mat. After Lawler landed one more punch for good measure, the referee stepped in to put a stop to the contest.

The win marks Lawler’s second in a row since returning to the UFC, with the previous victory being a stoppage of former welterweight title challenger Josh Koscheck.

Carmouche finishes off Andrade in main card opener

Liz Carmouche finished Jessica Andrade in the second round of the first main card fight at UFC on Fox 8, finishing her opponent at the 3:57 mark.

Carmouche took early control of the match, clinching with Andrade against the cage then taking her down to the mat. Andrade found an opportunity for a submission, but chose to finish out the round by holding a guillotine attempt for the better part of the last half of the round.

Carmouche got the fight to the ground again in the second round where she smothered her opponent with punches and elbows from mount, eventually getting the TKO stoppage.

Read the undercard results below:

• Jorge Masvidal def. Michael Chiesa by submission (D’Arce choke) at 4:59, Round 2
• Danny Castillo def. Tim Means by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Melvin Guillard def. Mac Danzig by KO (hammer fists) at 2:47, Round 2
• Daron Cruickshank def Yves Edwards by split decision (30-27, 27-30, 30-27)
• Ed Herman def. Trevor Smith by split decision (27-30, 30-27, 29-28)
• Germain de Randamie def. Julie Kedzie by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
• Justin Salas def. Aaron Riley by spli decision (29-28 , 28-29, 29-28)
• Yaotzin Meza def. John Albert via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:49, Round 2

Catch all the UFC on Fox 8 results live as they happen on GRACIEMAG.com. Fights begin at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT. You can also follow GRACIEMAG (@graciemag) and Erik Fontanez (@Erik_Fontanez) on Twitter for more commentary.

UFC on Fox 8
July 27, 2013
KeyArena
Seattle, Washington

Main Card:

• Demetrious Johnson def. John Moraga by submission (armbar) at 3:43, Round 5
• Rory MacDonald def. Jake Ellenberger by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
• Robbie Lawler def. Bobby Voelker by KO (head kick) at 0:24, Round 2
• Liz Carmouche def. Jessica Andrade by TKO (strikes from mount) at 3:57, Round 2

Prelims

• Jorge Masvidal def. Michael Chiesa by submission (D’Arce choke) at 4:59, Round 2
• Danny Castillo def. Tim Means by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Melvin Guillard def. Mac Danzig by KO (hammer fists) at 2:47, Round 2
• Daron Cruickshank def Yves Edwards by split decision (30-27, 27-30, 30-27)
• Ed Herman def. Trevor Smith by split decision (27-30, 30-27, 29-28)
• Germain de Randamie def. Julie Kedzie by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)

Prelims on Facebook:

• Justin Salas def. Aaron Riley by spli decision (29-28 , 28-29, 29-28)
• Yaotzin Meza def. John Albert via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:49, Round 2

UFC on Fox 8
July 27, 2013
KeyArena
Seattle, Washington

Main Card:
Demetrious Johnson (124.5) vs. John Moraga (124.5)
Rory MacDonald (170.5) vs. Jake Ellenberger (171)
Robbie Lawler (170.5) vs. Bobby Voelker (170)
Liz Carmouche (136) vs. Jessica Andrade (134)

Prelims
Michael Chiesa (155.5) vs. Jorge Masvidal (157.5)*
Danny Castillo (155) vs. Tim Means (160)**
Mac Danzig (155) vs. Melvin Guillard (155)
Yves Edwards (155) vs. Daron Cruickshank (156)
Ed Herman (186) vs. Trevor Smith (185)
Julie Kedzie (135.5) vs. Germain de Randamie (135)

Prelims on Facebook:
Aaron Riley (156) vs. Justin Salas (155)
John Albert (137)** vs. Yaotzin Meza (136)

*Has two hours to make weight

**Will surrender 20 percent of their fight purse to their opponent

UFC on Fox 8: Johnson vs Moraga
KeyArena, Seattle, Washington
July 27, 2013

UFC flyweight champ Demetrious Johnson faces John Moraga this weekend at UFC on Fox 8, but before he was a champ he earned a shot by beating Ian McCall. Check out their fight above and see the UFC on Fox 8 fight card below.

UFC on Fox 8
July 27, 2013
KeyArena
Seattle, Washington

Main Card:
Demetrious Johnson (17-2-1) vs. John Moraga (13-1)
Rory MacDonald (14-1) vs. Jake Ellenberger (29-6)
Robbie Lawler (20-9-1) vs. Bobby Voelker (24-9-0)
Liz Carmouche (8-3) vs. Jessica Andrade (9-2)

Prelims
Michael Chiesa (9-0) vs. Jorge Masvidal (24-7)
Danny Castillo (15-5) vs. Tim Means (18-4-1)
Mac Danzig (21-10-1) vs. Melvin Guillard (30-12-2)
Yves Edwards (42-19-1) vs. Daron Cruickshank (12-3)
Ed Herman (20-9) vs. Trevor Smith (10-3)
Julie Kedzie (16-11) vs. Germain de Randamie (3-2)

Prelims on Facebook:
Aaron Riley (30-13-1) vs. Justin Salas (10-4)
John Albert (7-4) vs. Yaotzin Meza (19-8)

UFC on Fox 8: Johnson vs Moraga
KeyArena, Seattle, EUA
27 de julho de 2013

Demetrious Johnson x John Moraga
Rory MacDonald x Jake Ellenberger
Robbie Lawler x Bobby Voelker
Liz Carmouche x Jessica Andrade

Card preliminar

Michael Chiesa x Jorge Masvidal
Tim Means x Danny Castillo
Mac Danzig x Melvin Guillard
Brendan Schaub x Matt Mitrione
Yves Edwards x Spencer Fisher
Ed Herman x Trevor Smith
Julie Kedzie x Germaine de Randamie
Aaron Riley x Justin Salas
John Albert x Yaotzin Meza

Rory MacDonald describes what motivates him to fight in this video produced by the UFC. In it he talks about past fights and discusses the drive that’s put him where he is today.

Check out “Warrior Code” above and see the UFC on Fox 8 fight card below.

UFC on Fox 8
July 27, 2013
KeyArena
Seattle, Washington

Main Card:
Demetrious Johnson (17-2-1) vs. John Moraga (13-1)
Rory MacDonald (14-1) vs. Jake Ellenberger (29-6)
Robbie Lawler (20-9-1) vs. Bobby Voelker (24-9-0)
Liz Carmouche (8-3) vs. Jessica Andrade (9-2)

Prelims
Michael Chiesa (9-0) vs. Jorge Masvidal (24-7)
Danny Castillo (15-5) vs. Tim Means (18-4-1)
Mac Danzig (21-10-1) vs. Melvin Guillard (30-12-2)
Yves Edwards (42-19-1) vs. Daron Cruickshank (12-3)
Ed Herman (20-9) vs. Trevor Smith (10-3)
Julie Kedzie (16-11) vs. Germain de Randamie (3-2)

Prelims on Facebook:
Aaron Riley (30-13-1) vs. Justin Salas (10-4)
John Albert (7-4) vs. Yaotzin Meza (19-8)