DaMarques Johnson
DaMarques Johnson (born June 28, 1982) is a retired American mixed martial artist who competed professionally in the welterweight division.[1] Known by the nickname "Darkness," he is best recognized for his appearance as the welterweight runner-up on The Ultimate Fighter Season 9: United States vs. United Kingdom in 2009. Johnson, hailing from West Jordan, Utah, began his professional MMA career in 2005 and fought across multiple promotions, including the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and King of the Cage.[2] Over the course of his career, he compiled a record of 16 wins and 15 losses, with 7 victories by knockout or technical knockout, 7 by submission, and 2 by decision.[2] In the UFC, where he competed from 2009 to 2012, Johnson secured 4 wins against 6 losses, highlighted by first-round submission triumphs over Edgar Garcia at UFC 107 and Mike Guymon at UFC Fight Night 23.[3] His final professional bout was a second-round submission loss to Joe Rodriguez at SteelFist Fight Night 36 in August 2015, after which he retired from competition.[1]Early life and background
Childhood and family
DaMarques Johnson was born on June 28, 1982, in West Jordan, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City.[4][2] When Johnson was nine years old, his father passed away, leaving his single mother to raise him and his younger sister, Nikia, in the Salt Lake City area.[5] His mother emphasized resilience in the face of hardship, advising her children that they must make the best of their circumstances no matter how difficult.[5] To help alleviate the financial burden on his mother, Johnson moved out during high school and took a job at a local pizza restaurant while pursuing interests in basketball and wrestling.[5] He graduated from Kearns High School, maintaining an outspoken and fun-loving personality despite the challenges of growing up in a working-class environment marked by his family's loss.[6][5] Johnson's nickname "Darkness" emerged from his early reputation for delivering knockout blows and was formalized through a fan contest, symbolizing his ability to overcome adversity.[5]Entry into martial arts
After enlisting in the U.S. military at 17 and gaining experience in hand-to-hand combat training, including exposure to Brazilian jiu-jitsu during service in Colombia, Johnson returned to Utah around 2004 and began formal martial arts training at a local jiu-jitsu school.[7][5] Guided by veteran MMA fighter Jeremy Horn, whom he met through mutual connections, Johnson trained at Horn's Elite Performance Gym in Sandy, Utah, focusing on grappling and striking fundamentals.[8] This marked the start of his structured involvement in martial arts around 2004-2005, building on his prior athletic background in wrestling, basketball, and football.[7] He initially competed in amateur tournaments, securing a victory in his first event, which honed his competitive skills before transitioning to professional bouts just six months into his training.[5] Johnson made his professional MMA debut on April 29, 2005, at XFC - Dome of Destruction 1, where he suffered a quick loss by TKO (punches) to Paul Purcell in Round 1 at 0:17.[1] His early professional career in regional promotions featured a mix of setbacks and breakthroughs, competing primarily in Utah-based events and building experience toward welterweight competition.[1]Professional MMA career
Pre-UFC competitions
Johnson's professional MMA career gained momentum in 2008 through a series of regional bouts primarily in Utah-based promotions, where he achieved a 5-1 record that highlighted his evolving skill set.[1] His victories that year included knockouts and submissions against a mix of opponents, demonstrating growing proficiency in both striking and ground control.[1] The following table summarizes Johnson's 2008 fights:| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 5 | Sterling Niitsuma | Win | KO (Punch) | JHEFN 1 |
| April 18 | Harold Lucambio | Win | Submission (Triangle Choke) | Throwdown Showdown 1 |
| May 31 | Sam Rauch | Win | Submission | Total Mayhem 1 |
| July 12 | Ron Vincent | Win | TKO (Punches) | JHEFN 3 |
| September 26 | Brandon Olsen | Win | Submission (Triangle Choke) | Throwdown Showdown 2 |
| October 18 | Ryan Williams | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | Extreme Challenge 109 |
The Ultimate Fighter season 9
DaMarques Johnson was selected to participate in the ninth season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2009, entering the competition with a professional record of 12-6.[1] The season, titled United States vs. United Kingdom, featured eight fighters from each country competing in the welterweight division for a UFC contract, with Team USA coached by Dan Henderson and Team UK led by Michael Bisping. Johnson, representing Team USA, navigated the house environment marked by intense national rivalries and trash-talking between the teams, often positioning himself as a vocal American amid the UK's dominance in early eliminations. In the preliminary round, Johnson secured a spot in the quarterfinals with a first-round TKO victory over Ray Elbe via punches at 4:08, showcasing his aggressive striking style honed from regional bouts.[1] He advanced further in the quarterfinals by submitting Dean Amasinger with a triangle choke at 1:49 of the first round, demonstrating his grappling prowess under Henderson's training regimen that emphasized wrestling and ground control.[10] The semifinals pitted Johnson against Team UK's Nick Osipczak, where he earned a unanimous decision win after three hard-fought rounds, outworking Osipczak in stand-up exchanges and clinch work to become the last remaining American in the tournament. Johnson reached the welterweight finale as the tournament runner-up, facing James Wilks of Team UK on June 20, 2009, at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale in Las Vegas. Despite his strong showings throughout the season, Johnson lost via submission to a rear-naked choke at 4:54 of the first round, with Wilks capitalizing on a scramble to secure the choke.[11] This outcome awarded Wilks the season's welterweight title and a UFC contract, while Johnson's performance earned him recognition as a resilient contender and an invitation to join the promotion.UFC tenure
Johnson returned to the UFC on December 12, 2009, at UFC 107 in Memphis, Tennessee, where he defeated Edgar Garcia by submission via triangle choke at 4:03 of the first round.[1] This victory earned him a spot on the UFC welterweight roster following his exposure on The Ultimate Fighter season 9.[12] In his next bout at UFC 112 on April 10, 2010, in Abu Dhabi, Johnson secured a TKO win over Brad Blackburn with a kick to the body at 2:08 of the third round.[13] However, he suffered a setback at UFC Live 2 on August 1, 2010, losing to Matt Riddle by TKO (punches) at 4:29 of the second round.[1] Johnson rebounded at UFC Fight Night 23 on January 22, 2011, submitting Michael Guymon at 3:22 of the first round.[13] His momentum was halted again at UFC Fight Night 24 on March 26, 2011, with a TKO loss to Amir Sadollah (elbows) at 3:27 of the second round.[1] Johnson notched another quick finish at UFC on Fox 1 on November 12, 2011, knocking out Clay Harvison with punches at 1:34 of the first round.[13] In 2012, his fortunes declined sharply. He was submitted by John Maguire via armbar at 4:40 of the second round at UFC on Fuel TV 2 on April 14.[1] This was followed by a knockout loss to Mike Swick (punches) at 1:20 of the second round at UFC on Fox 4 on August 4, and a first-round submission defeat to Gunnar Nelson (rear-naked choke) at 3:34 on September 29 at UFC on Fuel TV 5.[13] The three consecutive losses in 2012 led to Johnson's release from the UFC shortly after the Nelson fight.[14] Over his UFC tenure from 2009 to 2012, Johnson compiled a record of 4 wins and 5 losses.[13][3]| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 12, 2009 | Edgar Garcia | Win | Submission (Triangle Choke) | 1 | 4:03 | UFC 107 |
| Apr 10, 2010 | Brad Blackburn | Win | TKO (Body Kick) | 3 | 2:08 | UFC 112 |
| Aug 1, 2010 | Matt Riddle | Loss | TKO (Punches) | 2 | 4:29 | UFC Live 2 |
| Jan 22, 2011 | Michael Guymon | Win | Submission | 1 | 3:22 | UFC Fight Night 23 |
| Mar 26, 2011 | Amir Sadollah | Loss | TKO (Elbows) | 2 | 3:27 | UFC Fight Night 24 |
| Nov 12, 2011 | Clay Harvison | Win | KO (Punches) | 1 | 1:34 | UFC on Fox 1 |
| Apr 14, 2012 | John Maguire | Loss | Submission (Armbar) | 2 | 4:40 | UFC on Fuel TV 2 |
| Aug 4, 2012 | Mike Swick | Loss | KO (Punches) | 2 | 1:20 | UFC on Fox 4 |
| Sep 29, 2012 | Gunnar Nelson | Loss | Submission (RNC) | 1 | 3:34 | UFC on Fuel TV 5 |
Post-UFC bouts and retirement
Following his release from the UFC in October 2012 after a submission loss to Gunnar Nelson and missing weight for the bout, DaMarques Johnson sought to revive his career in regional promotions.[15] Johnson made his return on November 2, 2013, at Cage Warrior Combat 9 in Kingston, Washington, where he faced Ian Williams in a welterweight bout. The fight went the full three rounds, ending in a split decision loss for Johnson after 15 minutes.[1] His next appearance came on May 23, 2014, at Battlefield Fight League 30 in Richmond, British Columbia, against Matt Dwyer. Johnson was stopped via TKO due to punches in the second round at 3:39, extending his skid.[1] Johnson's final professional bout occurred on August 7, 2015, at SteelFist Fight Night 36: Conflict in West Valley City, Utah, versus Joe Rodriguez in a middleweight matchup. Rodriguez secured a submission victory via shoulder choke in the second round at 3:52, concluding Johnson's octagon tenure.[1] These defeats formed part of a six-fight losing streak spanning from 2012 to 2015, during which Johnson competed in smaller regional circuits like Cage Warrior Combat and SteelFist Fight Night, often struggling against determined opponents in less prominent events.[2] Johnson has not fought professionally since the Rodriguez loss, with no recorded bouts through 2025, effectively retiring from MMA at age 33.[2]Personal life and legacy
Family and influences
DaMarques Johnson has maintained close relationships with his mother and younger sister, Nikia, crediting them with providing unwavering support throughout his MMA career. Raised in a single-parent household in the Salt Lake City area, Utah, after his father's death at age nine, Johnson often highlighted his mother's role in fostering his resilience during challenging times.[7][16] In interviews, he described moving out during high school to alleviate the financial burden on his mother, who had struggled to support him and Nikia while working multiple jobs.[16] This early act of independence underscored the family's mutual reliance, with Johnson later channeling earnings from his fights to support his own young son, mirroring the nurturing dynamic he experienced growing up.[16] Johnson's family profoundly shaped his mental toughness, a quality he attributes directly to his mother's guidance and example. He has stated, "I get a lot of my stubbornness and mental strength from my mom," emphasizing how her emphasis on perseverance—"these were the cards we were dealt and that we would just have to make the best of the situation"—instilled a mindset of adaptability and determination.[16] This philosophy influenced his decision-making in MMA, where he approached high-stakes opportunities, such as entering professional fights early in his career, with a pragmatic resolve to "play the cards I’m dealt," turning personal hardships into fuel for success.[16] The single-parent upbringing, shared with Nikia in a modest environment, further honed his ability to endure adversity, contributing to the disciplined work ethic that defined his professional journey.[7]Post-retirement activities
Following his final professional bout on August 7, 2015, against Joe Rodriguez at SFFN 36 - Conflict, where he suffered a submission loss, DaMarques Johnson has maintained complete inactivity in mixed martial arts competition.[1] No subsequent fights or official retirement announcement appear in records, rendering him ineligible for regional rankings due to lack of bouts in the intervening years.[2] As of November 2025, there have been no public announcements or reports indicating any plans for a return to professional MMA.[2] Johnson, based in the Salt Lake City area, Utah, has kept a notably low public profile since stepping away from the sport, with no documented involvement in high-profile events, coaching roles, media appearances related to MMA, or other professional activities.[2] This absence of activity aligns with a broader pattern among many retired fighters who shift focus away from the public eye post-career.Career statistics
Championships and accomplishments
DaMarques Johnson achieved prominence as the runner-up in the welterweight tournament of The Ultimate Fighter Season 9 in 2009, where he advanced to the finals before losing to James Wilks via submission. Johnson did not capture any major promotion championships during his career, but he earned recognition for his finishing ability, securing multiple victories by submission and knockout across various promotions.[1] In the regional Utah MMA scene, Johnson gained early recognition through a series of wins in local promotions, including Ultimate Combat Experience (UCE) events where he notched five victories—two by knockout or technical knockout, one by submission, and two by decision—and a King of the Cage (KOTC) bout that contributed to his development as a prospect.[1][2] His overall professional record stands at 16 wins and 15 losses, with 8 wins by knockout or TKO, 6 by submission, and 2 by decision.[1][2]Professional fight record
DaMarques Johnson amassed a professional mixed martial arts record of 16 wins and 15 losses across 31 bouts, spanning from April 29, 2005, to August 7, 2015.[1][2] His victories included 8 by knockout or technical knockout, 6 by submission, and 2 by decision, while his defeats comprised 6 by knockout or technical knockout, 7 by submission, and 2 by decision.[1] No amateur fight record is documented.[1]| # | Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round | Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apr 29, 2005 | Paul Purcell | Loss | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 0:17 | XFC - Dome of Destruction 1 | Muskogee, Oklahoma, United States |
| 2 | Jul 23, 2005 | Brock Larson | Loss | Submission (Keylock) | 3 | 1:02 | EC 63 - Extreme Challenge 63 | Orem, Utah, United States |
| 3 | Oct 01, 2005 | David Rodrique | Win | TKO (Submission to Punches) | 1 | 1:51 | KOTC - Shock & Awe | Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin, United States |
| 4 | Dec 10, 2005 | Justin Wright | Loss | Submission (Triangle Choke) | 2 | 1:48 | UCE - Round 18 - Episode 6 | West Valley City, Utah, United States |
| 5 | Jan 14, 2006 | Harold Lucambio | Win | Decision (Split) | 3 | 3:00 | UCE - Round 19 - Episode 2 | West Valley City, Utah, United States |
| 6 | Oct 14, 2006 | Tim Panter | Win | TKO (Punches) | 2 | N/A | UCE - Round 23 - Episode 3 | West Valley City, Utah, United States |
| 7 | Nov 11, 2006 | Justin Wright | Loss | TKO (Strikes) | 1 | 4:27 | UCE - Round 23 - Episode 7 "Day 2" | West Valley City, Utah, United States |
| 8 | Mar 17, 2007 | Harold Lucambio | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | UCE - Round 25 Finals | West Valley City, Utah, United States |
| 9 | Jun 02, 2007 | Hank Weiss | Win | Submission (Strikes) | 2 | 1:15 | UCE - Round 26 - Episode 9 Day 2 | West Valley City, Utah, United States |
| 10 | Jun 16, 2007 | Court McGee | Loss | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | 3 | 1:50 | UCE - Round 26 - Finals | West Valley City, Utah, United States |
| 11 | Oct 13, 2007 | William Layton | Win | TKO (Strikes) | 1 | 0:55 | UCE - Round 28 - Episode 2 | West Valley City, Utah, United States |
| 12 | Apr 05, 2008 | Sterling Niitsuma | Win | KO (Punch) | 1 | 2:05 | JHEFN - Jeremy Horn's Elite Fight Night 1 | South Jordan, Utah, United States |
| 13 | Apr 18, 2008 | Harold Lucambio | Win | Submission (Triangle Choke) | 1 | 1:53 | Throwdown Showdown 1 - Showdown | West Valley City, Utah, United States |
| 14 | May 31, 2008 | Sam Rauch | Win | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | 2 | 2:50 | TM - Total Mayhem 1 | Sugar Creek, Missouri, United States |
| 15 | Jul 12, 2008 | Ron Vincent | Win | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 2:36 | JHEFN - Jeremy Horn's Elite Fight Night 3 | South Jordan, Utah, United States |
| 16 | Sep 26, 2008 | Brandon Olsen | Win | Submission (Triangle Choke) | 2 | 1:31 | Throwdown Showdown 2 - The Return | West Valley City, Utah, United States |
| 17 | Oct 18, 2008 | Ryan Williams | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | EC 109 - Extreme Challenge 109 | Hayward, Wisconsin, United States |
| 18 | Jan 22, 2009 | Ray Elbe | Win | TKO (Strikes) | 1 | 3:10 | The Ultimate Fighter Season 9 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| 19 | Jun 20, 2009 | James Wilks | Loss | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 | 4:54 | The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| 20 | Dec 12, 2009 | Edgar Garcia | Win | Submission (Triangle Choke) | 1 | 4:03 | UFC 107 - Penn vs. Sanchez | Memphis, Tennessee, United States |
| 21 | Apr 10, 2010 | Brad Blackburn | Win | TKO (Kick to the Body) | 3 | 2:08 | UFC 112 - Invincible | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| 22 | Aug 01, 2010 | Matt Riddle | Loss | TKO (Punches) | 2 | 4:29 | UFC Live 2 - Jones vs. Matyushenko | Des Moines, Iowa, United States |
| 23 | Jan 22, 2011 | Mike Guymon | Win | Submission (Body Triangle Choke) | 1 | 3:22 | UFC Fight Night 23 - Fight for the Troops 2 | Fort Hood, Texas, United States |
| 24 | Mar 26, 2011 | Amir Sadollah | Loss | TKO (Elbows) | 2 | 3:27 | UFC Fight Night 24 - Nogueira vs. Davis | Seattle, Washington, United States |
| 25 | Nov 12, 2011 | Clay Harvison | Win | KO (Punches) | 1 | 1:34 | UFC on Fox: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos | Anaheim, California, United States |
| 26 | Apr 14, 2012 | John Maguire | Loss | Submission (Armbar) | 2 | 4:40 | UFC on Fuel TV 2 - Gustafsson vs. Silva | Stockholm, Sweden |
| 27 | Aug 04, 2012 | Mike Swick | Loss | KO (Punches) | 2 | 1:20 | UFC on Fox 4 - Shogun vs. Vera | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| 28 | Sep 29, 2012 | Gunnar Nelson | Loss | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 | 3:34 | UFC on Fuel TV 5 - Struve vs. Miocic | Nottingham, England |
| 29 | Nov 02, 2013 | Ian Williams | Loss | Decision (Split) | 3 | 5:00 | CWC 9 - Cage Warriors Combat 9 | Manchester, England |
| 30 | May 23, 2014 | Matt Dwyer | Loss | TKO (Punches) | 2 | 3:39 | BFL 30 - Battlefield Fight League 30 | Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
| 31 | Aug 07, 2015 | Joe Rodriguez | Loss | Submission (Shoulder Choke) | 2 | 3:52 | SFFN 36 - Conflict | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |