UFC on ESPN 73: Johns vs. Marcos takes place November 8, 2025, featuring a compelling bantamweight clash between Kansas powerhouse Miles Johns and Peru’s unbeaten technician Daniel Marcos. Both fighters are looking to rebound from recent setbacks and reassert themselves in one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions.
Miles Johns
Miles “Chapo” Johns (15–4, 1 NC) is a disciplined pressure fighter and former LFA champion who blends crisp boxing with well-timed wrestling. Known for his measured pace and defensive soundness, Johns has secured UFC wins over Cody Gibson, Douglas Silva de Andrade, Vince Morales, and Anderson dos Santos (KO). However, he enters this bout following consecutive losses—one at featherweight against Felipe Lima and a narrow split decision to Jean Matsumoto back at bantamweight.
Johns’ strengths lie in his balance of fundamentals—sharp counters, sturdy takedown defense, and control-based grappling. He’s tough, methodical, and rarely makes tactical errors, but he can sometimes struggle to match the tempo of faster, more dynamic strikers. His knockout power remains a constant equalizer, especially when he finds his range with the right hand.
Miles Johns – Last 5 Fights:
* Loss vs. Jean Matsumoto – Decision (Split) – UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs. Hernandez, Aug 9, 2025
* Loss vs. Felipe Lima – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN: Covington vs. Buckley, Dec 14, 2024 (Featherweight)
* Win vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN: Perez vs. Taira, Jun 15, 2024
* Win vs. Cody Gibson – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN: Ribas vs. Namajunas, Mar 23, 2024
* NC vs. Dan Argueta – Bout overturned (failed drug test)
For Johns, the keys to victory are tempo and control—he must dictate range with his jab, time Marcos’ entries for reactive takedowns, and make the fight ugly inside the clinch. If he can force prolonged grappling exchanges, his top control and cardio could grind out rounds.
Daniel Marcos
Daniel “Soncora” Marcos (17–1, 1 NC) remains one of South America’s brightest MMA prospects, representing Peru with crisp technical striking and exceptional composure. A former 300 Sparta champion, Marcos built an undefeated streak through 17 fights before suffering his first career loss to Montel Jackson earlier this year. Prior to that, he posted impressive UFC victories over John Castañeda, Adrian Yañez, Davey Grant, and Saimon Oliveira.
Marcos is a patient, calculated striker with clean fundamentals—sharp jab, thudding leg kicks, and excellent balance. His ability to read opponents and counter effectively makes him dangerous in extended striking exchanges. While he’s not a reckless finisher, his precision and timing can wear opponents down over three rounds. He’s also shown solid takedown defense, a crucial weapon against wrestlers like Johns.
Daniel Marcos – Last 5 Fights:
* Loss vs. Montel Jackson – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo, May 3, 2025
* Win vs. Adrian Yañez – Decision (Split) – UFC on ESPN: Covington vs. Buckley, Dec 14, 2024
* Win vs. John Castañeda – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Imavov, Jun 8, 2024
* NC vs. Aori Qileng – Accidental Groin Kick – UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Pyfer, Feb 10, 2024
* Win vs. Davey Grant – Decision (Split) – UFC Fight Night: Aspinall vs. Tybura, Jul 22, 2023
Marcos’ keys are distance and rhythm—he needs to stay mobile, control the center, and use low kicks to limit Johns’ movement. If he can stuff early takedowns and keep the fight standing, his precision striking and volume should secure the scorecards.
Fight Breakdown
This matchup is a tactical duel between wrestling pressure and striking precision. Johns will likely pursue takedowns and control against the cage, while Marcos aims to keep the fight at range and counter with accuracy. The first two minutes of each round will be critical—if Johns finds early entries, he can smother Marcos’ rhythm. But if Marcos establishes distance and defends the initial shots, his cleaner striking will start to take over.
Marcos’ composure under fire and adaptability could prove key, especially against a grinder like Johns who thrives on momentum. Expect a close, technical affair decided by who imposes their range and pace more consistently.
Prediction
Both men bring distinct strengths, but Marcos’ sharper striking, movement, and defensive instincts should edge out Johns’ wrestling over three rounds. Johns may find early success with control, but Marcos’ adjustments and cleaner work on the feet should seal it.
Prediction: Daniel Marcos def. Miles Johns via Decision (Unanimous)
A win keeps Marcos among the division’s top rising prospects, while Johns will need to regroup against the next wave of contenders.