For nearly ten years, New Mexico’s John Dodson has held steady in the title picture at both 125 and 135 pounds. An absurd athlete, even by flyweight standards, Dodson’s consistency can be attributed to his low-risk counter-punching style and effective defense. After halting a hot prospect in Nathaniel Wood in February, Dodson will play gatekeeper once again at UFC 252 when he faces Georgian grappling tornado Merab Dvalishvili.
While Dodson has demonstrably lost a step physically - his speed, power and durability deteriorating - he’s still far from washed up in the ultra-competitive bantamweight division. He’ll need every bit left of his craft and athleticism against Dvalishvili, a relentless cardio machine who has twice broken the bantamweight takedown record.