For just the 2nd time in UFC history, a fighter has pulled off this tricky submission…
Calf-slicers are often deemed illegal in many lower-level jiu-jitsu tournaments. The feeling is there is not much time between when the hold starts to hurt and when it begins to injure. This can lead to fighters not tapping or tapping too late to prevent injury.
Up until last night, only one fighter had ever won a UFC fight via a calf-slicer.
Unbeaten bantamweight, Brett Johns, caught Joe Soto in the submission just 30 seconds into their bout from the Ultimate Fighter Finale show. The Wales native improved to 3-0 inside the octagon and 15-0 as a professional.
After the bout, Johns called for a fight with someone ranked in the top 10 and also promised to be UFC bantamweight champion by the end of 2018.
“I grapple every day of my life,” Johns said after the bout. “I do it sometimes three times a day. Just because I don’t show it in a grappling tournament, doesn’t mean I don’t it. And I grapple with the best guys in the world.” – Brett Johns post-fight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVm1gXnTntA
Brett Johns Post-Fight
“I wasn’t expecting (a finish), to be honest,” Johns said. “I’m sort of known for being a decision fighter. But every guy I seem to face that I think is a step up, I perform. Back in the old Titan FC days, when I fought for the Titan FC old title, I fought a guy called Walel Watson. (He) was the first UFC vet I fought. I finished him.
“And tonight was the same. I felt (Albert) Morales and (Kwan Ho) Kwak, the first two UFC fights, were good opponents. Up-and-comers. But Joe has been there and done it. Obviously to get a finish over him was amazing. What can I say? It’s a great time for me, I’m happy.”
Johns also expressed he was surprised Soto managed to hold on for as long as he did.
“It was one of them things when I was thinking, ‘Is it actually on?’ Because he held on for so long. He was tough and he was durable. Then I felt the tap and was ecstatic.”
Check out this Gracie Breakdown video on Charles Oliveira’s calf-slicer from 2012:
Charles Oliveira’s Calf-Slicer
If not for Charles Oliveira’s calf-slicer submission victory over Eric Wisely from UFC on Fox 2 in 2012, Johns would have been the first to do so in UFC history. Oliveira received a $65,000 bonus for his victory, while Johns made away with a $50,000 bonus for his performance last night.
Check out Brett John’s submit Joe Soto with a calf-slicer in just 30 seconds:
CALF SLICER! Brett Johns pulls off an incredible submission vs. Joe Soto to kick off the #TUFFinale! https://t.co/xvnqiew1XQ
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) December 2, 2017
Brett Johns Moving Up the Bantamweight Rankings
Johns has now fought and won 3 straight in the 13 months he’s been in the UFC. While that alone won’t earn him a fight with a top 15 ranked opponent, his highlight reel victory last night will likely increase his odds.
After the bout, Johns sounded ecstatic about the result. He indicated he would be celebrating long into the evening.
“If I don’t wake up with Mike Tyson’s tiger in my bedroom, I’m going to be disappointed tomorrow morning,” Johns joked.
