UFC Moscow: Khabilov edges Johnson in close, entertaining battle

Veteran lightweights Rustam Khabilov and Kajan Johnson shared the cage in an intriguing clash of styles late on Saturday’s UFC Moscow preliminary card.

Every fight card features at least one lightweight contest that slides under the radar but highlights the depth of the division in the UFC.

This was that fight.

Rustam Khabilov was once a rising star in the lightweight ranks, but consecutive losses in the middle of his career halted that momentum. Despite entering on a five-fight winning streak, the Dagestani grappler has been unable to make any real headway in the rankings, leading to another difficult assignment without much fanfare Saturday night in Moscow.

Less than two months after competing in Calgary, Kajan Johnson looked to make a quick return to the win column by stepping in against Khabilov. While making this quick of a turnaround is always challenging, Johnson benefitted from facing an opponent with a similar style, Islam Makhachev, in July. Of course, he came out on the business end of a first-round stoppage result in that one.

Here’s a look at what took place.

Round 1

Southpaw versus orthodox again. Khabilov pressing forward, Johnson lands with a long right hand. Short, single-shot exchanges between the two here early; nothing much doing. Johnson working from the outside, sticking jabs as Khabilov looks to come forward, keeping him off balance, mixing in various kicks as well.

Right-hand counter just misses for Khabilov, but the left hook behind it lands. Khabilov trying to cut off the cage, but Johnson just keeps changing directions. Right hand for Johnson connects. Khabilov rushes for a sloppy takedown, but Johnson isn’t there. Spinning attack from Khabilov misses. Johnson looks high at the horn, taken well by Khabilov.

Entertaining chess match to start.

FanSided scores the round 10-9 for Johnson

Round 2

Right-hand counter connects right away for Khabilov. Inside low kick for Johnson swings Khabilov’s leg out. Misses with the jumping front kick. Body kick lands for Johnson. Khabilov lands with a couple short, searching punches. Gets on a leg, but Johnson shows his balance, avoiding the takedown. Elbow on the break for Khabilov lands. Two down, three to go.

Big uppercut misses from Khabilov. Well-timed takedown attempt for Khabilov and he finally spins Johnson on the ground. Johnson triangles the leg from his back, but Khabilov spins out, avoids the triangle and lands is Johnson’s guard. Johnson active off his back, but Khabilov flows with him, defending. Full guard stuck up against the fence. Short body shots from Khabilov. Johnson throws up his legs again, but nothing there. Great attack and defend sequences from these two on the mat, Khabilov responding to all of Johnson’s efforts. HORN!

FanSided scores the round 10-9 for Khabilov and has it 19-19 after two rounds

Round 3

One each to start the third as they meet in the center. Johnson presses forward with a kick, showing more aggression here to start. Uppercut glances for Khabilov. Jab for Johnson, with a low kick behind it. Khabilov lunges in with a right hand, but misses. Right from Johnson scores. Left hand from Khabilov as he starts to close the distance.

Jump knee from Johnson scores and a long right hand behind it. Another knee scores, but Khabilov uses it for a takedown. Johnson bounces right back up and lands a right hand. Khabilov looks for the single, but Johnson limp legs out. Spinning elbow misses. Johnson offers high with a kick; nothing there. Khabilov through on a takedown with just over a minute left. That could be a big moment.

Walks him back to the fence on the ground. Johnson looking to swing his legs up, forcing Khabilov to defend. Hammerfists from Khabilov, but Johnson responds with a triangle attempt. Khabilov stacks him up and Johnson attacks the heel as the final horn sounds.

This was a close fight that is really going to come down to how much the judges weigh that late takedown.

Fansided scores the round 10-9 Johnson and has the fight 29-28 for Johnson, but it could easily go the other way.

• UFC Moscow
• LIGHTWEIGHT
• MATCH RESULT

Khabilov VS. Johnson

FIGHT RESULTS

SD

5:00

Official Result: Rustam Khabilov def. Kajan Johnson by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)