This Week’s MMA Birthdays: Demetrious Johnson Turns 27

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UFC flyweight titleholder Demetrious Johnson will celebrate his 27th birthday on Aug. 13.

Johnson became the first 125-pound champion in Ultimate Fighting Championship history in September, when he outdueled Team Alpha Male’s Joseph Benavidez to a split decision at UFC 152. The Madisonville, Ky., native has successfully defended the title twice since.

Johnson last appeared at UFC on Fox 8 on July 27, when he submitted John Moraga with a fifth-round armbar at KeyArena in Seattle. It was the latest stoppage in the 20-year-history of the UFC, having occurred with a mere 77 seconds remaining in the 25-minute clash. It capped a brilliant performance for Johnson, as he went a perfect 12-for-12 on takedown attempts, passed Moraga’s guard 13 times and out-landed the Arizonan by a 67-32 count in significant strikes and 112-53 in total strikes.

An AMC Pankration export and Matt Hume protégé, Johnson will carry a four-fight winning streak into his next appearance. Wins over former World Extreme Cagefighting bantamweight champion Miguel Torres, onetime Tachi Palace Fights flyweight titleholder Ian McCall and “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 14 winner John Dodson anchor his resume.

Those in MMA celebrating a birthday the week covering Aug. 11-Aug. 17:

AUG. 11

Joe Rogan (46)
Thiago Tavares (29)

AUG. 13

Solomon Hutcherson (41)
Nik Lentz (29)
Jonathan Brookins (28)
Demetrious Johnson (27)
Ronys Torres (27)

AUG. 14

Ricardo Funch (33)
Brylan Van Artsdalen (29)
Mark Holst (28)

AUG. 15

Katsuhisa Fujii (41)
Moyses Gabin (33)

AUG. 16

Rulon Gardner (42)
Hiroya Takada (36)

AUG. 17

Masaaki Satake (48)
Carlos Newton (37)
Valentijn Overeem (37)

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