The UFC seems to have found its formula when it comes to its quarterly events on FOX.

After mixed results with the first three events of 2012, the premier mixed martial arts organization in the world rolled out a star-studded lineup, complete with championship bout in the main event, for their December finale on the network.

The four-fight show from Seattle produced a surge in viewers, bringing the average numbers back up over four million for the first time since last January’s event in Chicago.

This weekend, the UFC returns to both FOX and the United Center in Chicago with a main card that carries a strong resemblance to last month’s successful event in Seattle.

In the main event, UFC flyweight champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson defends his title for the first time, stepping into the cage with former Ultimate Fighter winner John Dodson, in what is a pairing of two of the fastest competitors in UFC history.

Johnson won the title back in September, defeating Joseph Benavidez by unanimous decision in the final of a four-man tournament that began last March.

A former bantamweight title contender, the 26-year-old Parkland, Wash., native mixes rapid takedowns with a “stick-and-move” striking approach, traditionally landing his punches and getting out of danger before his opponents have a chance to react.

He might not be so fortunate this time as Dodson, a long-time member of Team Jackson-Winkeljohn, is just as quick on his feet, and packs more power in his hands.

The UFC’s maniacal little clown made his mark winning the bantamweight competition on Season 14 of The Ultimate Fighter, and has posted consecutive wins since dropping back to his more natural 125-pound weight class.

The phrase “Don’t blink” has become an overused cliché in this sport, but it will be fitting when these two take to the cage on Saturday night. Both mix their grappling and striking fluidly, and the action will be frenetic until the final horn sounds.

The co-main event marks the final UFC appearance for former champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

Displeased with the opponents he’s faced, and dissatisfied with the support he’s received from fans and the company, Jackson made it known a while ago that he would leave when his contract was up.

Saturday’s contest will be his last, and the former light heavyweight titleholder will look to stop the rise of Glover Teixeira on his way out.

Teixeira entered the UFC with a great deal of hype, and hasn’t disappointed. He’s blasted his way through a pair of opponents already, and has all the markings of a potential title contender.

In order to reach that level, he’ll need to prove himself against a proven commodity; defeating Jackson might do the trick.

Coming off the success of last month’s show, expectations will be elevated for this weekend’s event, but history is not on the show’s side. Fans have been hesitant to embrace the flyweights — and the lighter weight classes in general — so despite the presence of a championship bout, two exciting pairs of contenders, and Jackson’s curtain call, it will be interesting to see if the sixth installment of the UFC on FOX will be able to deliver strong ratings.

In the cage, however, there is no doubt this show will produce fireworks.

E. Spencer Kyte is the author of Keyboard Kimura, Province Sports’ MMA blog at theprovince.com/mmablog and provincesports.com/blogs. Follow him on Twitter:@spencerkyte.