Johnson's record may not reflect his talent or his future

The UFC recently signed a fighter named Dashon “Fly Boy” Johnson, a 26-year-old prospect from California with a 9-0 record — eight of those victories being submissions or knockouts — who will face Jake “The Celtic Kid” Matthews, 4-0, in June.

On paper this looks like this newcomer will make a good addition to the UFC’s lightweight (155 pounds) division, but examining the records of his last nine opponents may give a different impression.

Johnson’s nine bouts have been against opponents who have a combined record of 13-29. Only two of these opponents actually have a number other than zero in th...