Two major takeaways from the Anthony Johnson vs. Charlie Brenneman fight. First, the fight was stopped early. Period. Referee Mario Yamasaki was placed in a nearly identical position as in the Johnson vs. Kevin Burns fight. But rather than Brenneman hitting the canvas because he's totally out, Brenneman still had life left in him. He even gestured to the referee a 'what gives?' type of response.
Second, Brenneman looked utterly outclassed in the fight. He seemed terribly rattled by the physical strength and striking power of Johnson. His defensive maneuvering was more panic than anything else.
Here's our liveblog of the end of the fight:
Round 1 Brenneman shoots in and Johnson stuffs it. Johnson peppering Brenneman with punches from the top. He's holding Brenneman's head down and is firing with uppercuts to the face from below. Knees to the body from Johnson. Johnson spinning around Brenneman's back. Rolls him halfway over and pounds away. Brenneman gets to half guard. Brenneman with a guillotine in half guard. Loses it. Johnson working to get side mount. Johnson stands up. Brenneman is up. Johnson catches Brenneman with a head kick that drops him and the referee Mario Yamasaki suddenly stops the fight. Brenneman is totally furious at the stoppage.