Da’Mon Blackshear spoiled the promotional debut of Jose Johnson in a rare fashion.
The second fight of UFC on ESPN 51 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas saw just the third twister submission in promotional history, courtesy of Blackshear (14-5-1 MMA, 2-1-1 UFC).
Jose Johnson (15-8 MMA, 0-1 UFC) found himself in a precarious position shortly after a very nice second takedown from Blackshear. While trying to scramble back to his feet, Johnson gave up his back. Blackshear began working on securing the rare and extremely painful submission hold. At 3:47 of Round 1, the twister was locked in and Johnson had no choice but to tap.
Check out video of the finish below (via Twitter):
Da Monster with the TWISTER!!!!
Da’Mon Blackshear gets the sub in R1! #UFCVegas78 pic.twitter.com/y6mbpUWSAX
— UFC (@ufc) August 12, 2023
Blackshear continues his finishing ways, keeping the momentum going following his June second-round TKO stoppage of Luan Lacerda. Eleven of Blackshear’s 14 pro career wins have ended early, proving “Da Monster” is a true finishing threat to his opponents.
The first twister submission in UFC history belongs to “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung, who tapped Leonard Garcia with the technique in 2011. It would be another eight years before another fighter accomplished the feat; Bryce Mitchell pulled off the second against Matt Sayles in 2019.
Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 51 results include:
- Da’Mon Blackshear def. Jose Johnson via submission (twister) – Round 1, 3:47
- Luana Santos def. Juliana Miller via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:41
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 51.
UFC on ESPN 51 video: Da’Mon Blackshear pulls off third twister submission in promotion history