Donte Johnson Submits Sedriques Dumas in Stunning UFC Debut
What a debut it was for Donte Johnson. The newcomer to the UFC, who earned his spot through Dana White’s Contender Series just a couple of months ago, made an explosive first impression at UFC Fight Night 263 in Las Vegas. Stepping into the Octagon against Sedriques Dumas, Johnson showcased poise, patience, and power — ultimately submitting his opponent in the second round to remain unbeaten in his professional career.
Now, this fight had plenty of buzz even before the first bell. Johnson had been making headlines for his incredible transformation — once a heavyweight, then a light heavyweight, and now, somehow, a middleweight. That’s two full weight classes down in just a few months. The 26-year-old fighter from Wisconsin weighed 209 pounds in his last Contender Series win but hit the scales at 185 for his UFC debut. He joked earlier that he hadn’t seen that number since middle school, but he certainly looked comfortable in this new division.
As the fight began, the first round was relatively slow. Both fighters were cautious, feeling each other out, and neither really committed to major exchanges. Dumas — a 30-year-old with more UFC experience — tried to use his reach advantage, keeping Johnson at bay with jabs and kicks. But Johnson, despite giving up height and length, kept calm and waited for his moment.
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That moment came in the second round. As Dumas went in for a clinch, he made a critical mistake — leaving his neck exposed. Johnson, sensing the opening, quickly locked in a guillotine choke. It was tight, and within seconds, Dumas was tapping out at the 1:25 mark of Round 2. Just like that, Johnson’s UFC debut ended in spectacular fashion.
For Johnson, this win was more than just another fight; it was validation. Only 15 months ago, he was making his professional debut. Now, he’s 7-0, with every single one of his wins coming by stoppage — and this was his first submission. After the fight, he told Daniel Cormier, “Next time, there can’t be as much hesitation. It’s nice to do it on a stage like this, and we’ve got a toolbox.”
That line says it all — he’s learning, he’s evolving, and he’s hungry for more.
Sedriques Dumas, on the other hand, finds himself in a tough spot. The Pensacola native, who had been trying to bounce back from a string of difficult outings, now has dropped to 3-4 in the UFC. His early aggression and size advantage couldn’t save him from Johnson’s composure and quick instincts.
It’s rare to see such a rapid rise in the sport, but Donte Johnson’s story is one of belief, discipline, and raw athleticism. From a former college football player weighing nearly 290 pounds to a ripped 185-pound middleweight finishing fights on the biggest stage in MMA — it’s been a wild ride. And as Johnson said afterward, “It’s gonna feel amazing.”
For UFC fans, it’s safe to say — Donte Johnson just announced himself in style, and Sedriques Dumas was the first to find out why this newcomer is one to watch.
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