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Demetrious Johnson to Make Surprise Title Defense at UFC 201 in Atlanta

Demetrious Johnson Stakes Claim as Best Champion Ever (UFC on FOX 24 Results)

Just days after announcing a new eight-fight contract with the UFC and the announcement of a season of The Ultimate Fighter that will determine a 125-pound contender, UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson has his next title defense set.

According to a UFC Tonight report on Wednesday, Johnson will put his belt on the line against Wilson Reis at UFC 201 on July 30 in Atlanta, Ga.

The announcement was a surprise on a couple fronts.

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Firstly, Johnson (24-2-1) is fresh off of a title defense at the end of April, when he stopped former Olympian Henry Cejudo in the first round. With his new contract in hand and the announcement that TUF 24 would feature 16 flyweight champions from various promotions around the globe squaring off for a shot at the flyweight title, most pundits expected that Johnson would sit out until December. The winner of the reality series tournament will get an immediate title shot at the TUF 24 Finale on Dec. 3 in Las Vegas.

Reis (20-6) is the other surprising factor in the scenario. While a solid competitor and former champion in other organizations, Reis is 4-2 in the Octagon, ranked No. 8 in the UFC flyweight division, and lost to Jussier Formiga before bouncing back against Dustin Ortiz in his last trip to the cage. Solid credentials, but not generally next in line for a title shot.

That, of course, points to the fact that Johnson has run through nearly everyone the UFC flyweight division has to offer, and some of them multiple times.

Regardless, Johnson will face Reis in the UFC 201 co-main event, while welterweight champion Robbie Lawler puts his belt on the line against Tyron Woodley in the UFC 201 headliner.

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