UFC on FOX 17 results: Nate Diaz outstrikes Michael Johnson en route to impressive win

Nate Diaz

ORLANDO, Fla. – In one of the absolute best performances of his career, Nate Diaz looked absolutely resurgent in dismantling Michael Johnson over the course of three rounds.

The lightweight bout was part of today’s UFC on FOX 17 main card at Amway Center in Orlando, Fla. It aired on FOX following prelims on FOX Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass.

Johnson flashed his speed in the early going, kicking the leg of Diaz’s traditionally wide stance. Diaz happily stood firm in the pocket and returned fire, finding range with his hands as the round wore on. Johnson continued to land kick after kick, chopping away at the leg, while Diaz smiled, talked and rattled off punches.

Diaz continued to focus on head strikes, and his jab and cross started to land with frequency in the second. Johnson continued to use kicks in his attacks, but Diaz’s punches began to really add up over time. As the strikes continue to land, Diaz started taunting more and more. With the crowd firmly on his side, Diaz scored shot after shot, pointing at Johnson on especially sharp strikes.

Diaz’s straight punches continued to score in the third, as he seemingly landed at will. Johnson pressed forward, looking to engage, but Diaz’s output was incredible and kept the momentum. Diaz slipped in the final 90 seconds, but Johnson was unable to capitalize, and Diaz simply went back to work on the feet, outworking Johnson until the end. Johnson moved forward, but Diaz stayed just out of range and then countered at ever opportunity. Johnson scored a late takedown, and then kicked Diaz’s entangled legs just after the bell in apparent frustration as Diaz held on to a knee bar.

Nate With the win, Diaz (18-10 MMA, 13-8 UFC) returns from a yearlong layoff in style. Johnson (16-10 MMA, 8-6 UFC) has now dropped two straight.

Up-to-the-minute UFC on FOX 17 results include:

• Nate Diaz def. Michael Johnson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Karolina Kowalkiewicz def. Randa Markos via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
• Charles Oliveira def. Myles Jury via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 3:05
• Nate Marquardt def. C.B. Dollaway via knockout (punch) – Round 2, 0:28
• Tamdan McCrory def. Josh Samman via submission (triangle choke) – Round 3, 4:10
• Nik Lentz def. Danny Castillo via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
• Jim Alers vs. Cole Miller – no contest (accidental eye poke)
• Kamaru Usman def. Leon Edwards via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
• Vincente Luque def. Hayder Hassan via submission (anaconda choke) – Round 1, 2:13
• Francis Ngannou def. Luiz Henrique via knockout (punch) – Round 2, 2:53

For more on UFC on FOX 17, check out the UFC Events section of the site.

(MMAjunkie’s Matt Erickson contributed to this report on site in Orlando.)