UFC Champion Demetrious Johnson Injured, Out Of UFC 201 Fight
Demetrious Johnson will have to put his plans for a ninth consecutive UFC Flyweight Championship defense on hold.
The 29-year old “Mighty Mouse” (24-2-1) has reportedly been pulled from his planned UFC 201 bout on July 30 against Wilson Reis (20-6) after sustaining an undisclosed injury during training camp. The UFC hasn’t announced whether the fight will be replaced or postponed.
Johnson is the only Flyweight champion in UFC history, and has publicly declared his intent to break Anderson Silva’s UFC record of ten consecutive championship defenses. He’s also slated to take on the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 24, coached by former title challengers Henry Cejudo and Joseph Benavidez.
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Despite their recent pay-per-view success, the UFC has had a rough go of it in 2016 when it comes to marquee fighters. Every pay-per-view event, ranging from UFC 195 to UFC 201 has seen a champion, title challenger or former champion withdraw, including a card that was switched from a pay-per-view show to a regular televised event.
Johnson is UFC’s #2-ranked pound-for-pound fighter, and could reclaim the number one spot with Jon Jones potential USADA violation possibly resulting in a suspension.
UFC 201 takes place on July 30 from the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The show is headlined by a welterweight championship fight between title holder Robbie Lawler and challenger Tyron Woodley.
