UFC: Dominick Cruz takes the best of Demetrius Johnson in shut-out maul

It was not as if they were 5 lop-sided rounds, but Dominick Cruz showed two levels of proof on Saturday night at the Verizon Center, Washington DC, in defending the UFC bantamweight title. That he has the resilience demanded of him to get through at a faster pace than he normally sets himself; and that Demetrius Johnson can be manhandled by a powerful bantamweight and is likely to excel at flyweight when the division is inked into the Ultimate Fighting Championship, most likely some time in 2012. For now, Johnson says he will stay in the division. But he will move down in time.

Cruz, accustomed to being the will-o'-the-wisp dancer on his toes in the Octagon, was clearly bemused in the early moments of the fight by Johnson's fleetness of foot. The pace of the fight was exhausting, but once Cruz realised he could outmuscle the challenger once he had hands on him, he wrestled his way to retaining his belt comfortably.

Cruz retained his title 50-45, twice, and 49-46 on the judges' cards. There was a case for Johnson earning the second round. Cruz was better in every department, save leg kicks. Johnson needed more than his trademark ruthless, relentless aggression and athleticism against the champion.

But make no mistake, Johnson forced his work-rate for all twenty five championship minutes. Cruz told me leading into this fight that he will not rest until he is at the head of the mythical pound-for-pound rankings.

Cruz looks to have all the tools to be able to dominate the 135lb division in the way that Anderson Silva, GSP and Jon Jones is beginning to do at 205lbs. Elusive, and with a style of his own. Indeed, individual, unorthodox styles appear to heave longevity upon the bearer. Cruz is a damn fine individual too, and will excel within the corporate demands on the mixed martial arts athlete as demanded by the UFC.

PAUL SASS CONTINUES SUBMISSION SEQUENCE

Liverpool mixed martial artist Paul Sass, in his second fight for the UFC following his debut at UFC 120 in November last year, submitted Michael Johnson in the first round by heel hook, after shipping a few heavy shots from the American striker in the opening minute of the fight. Sass is now unbeaten in 12 fights.